Opti-Matic: the automatic canopy system for fruit cultivation, arboriculture and outdoors
By: Gerben van Veldhuizen — Harvest protection specialist at FruitSecurity Holland
Open or close 5,000 m² at the touch of a button — protection for fruit growing, tree nurseries, pot plant nurseries and outdoor crops against hail, rain and sunburn.
What is the Opti-Matic System?
Definition: The Opti-Matic system is an automatic covering system for fruit growing, tree nurseries, pot plant nurseries and outdoor crops. Electric motors and shafts allow the system to be opened or closed at the touch of a button — up to 5,000 m² in just 10 minutes.
Whether you are a fruit grower, tree nursery, pot plant nursery or active in outdoor cultivation, you know how quickly the weather can change. Hail, bright sun or unexpected rain showers — you don't have hours to manually cover your entire plot. The Opti-Matic system solves this problem with automation.
How does it work?
The Opti-Matic system combines three elements:
- Electric motors — Powerful and reliable, even over large areas
- Central shafts — Distribute movement evenly throughout the entire system
- Simple operation — One button, one action, complete control
The result: you can open or close 5,000 m² in about 10 minutes. No manual labour, no stress.
The advantages of automatic covering
Why are more and more growers choosing the Opti-Matic system?
Protection against extreme weather conditions
The system protects your crops against:
- Hail — Prevent 100% crop loss due to hail damage (fruit growing, tree nurseries)
- Sunburn — Reduce heat damage on hot days (pot plants, ornamental cultivation)
- Rain — Keep sensitive crops dry when necessary (outdoor cultivation, nurseries)
Low recurring labour costs
Manually opening and closing nets takes time and manpower. With Opti-Matic:
- No team needed to operate nets
- One person can control the entire system
- Save hundreds of labour hours per season
High working space under the canopy
The system is designed with sufficient height for:
- Comfortable working and harvesting in orchards
- Mechanical cultivation with tractors and machines
- Good air circulation around the crop
- Space for tall trees and plants in nurseries
Flexible opening and closing throughout the season
You decide when you need protection:
- Spring: Protection against late frost (blossoms, young plants)
- Summer: Shade against sunburn, open for light (potted plants, ornamental plants)
- Autumn: Protection against hail and rain (fruit harvest, tree nursery)
- Winter: Protection against extreme cold (sensitive outdoor crops)
Which Net Suits Your Crop?
The Opti-Matic system can be equipped with different types of netting, depending on your sector and protection needs.
Hail net — Protection against hail
| Type | Shade percentage | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal (transparent) | 8 | Maximum light — fruit growing (apples, pears), tree nursery |
| Grey | 13 | Good balance — fruit growing, avenue trees, ornamental trees |
| Black | 18 | Extra protection — warmer climates, sensitive varieties |
Shade net — Protection from the sun
| Shade percentage | Application |
|---|---|
| 50 | Light shade — tree nurseries, outdoor cultivation, young plants |
| 75 | Intensive sun protection — pot plant nursery, ornamental plant cultivation |
| 90 | Maximum shade — sensitive potted plants, shade-loving species |
Combination possible: The system can contain both hail netting and shade netting, allowing you to switch flexibly between types of protection.
How much does an Opti-Matic system cost?
The investment depends on various factors, but as a guide price:
€15 - €16 per m² — delivered and installed in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany.
Variables that influence the price:
- Distances within the plot
- Total plot size
- Choice of net type (hail, shade, or combination)
- Location and accessibility
Example: A 2-hectare (20,000 m²) plot costs approximately £300,000 - £320,000 for a fully installed system.
Frequently asked questions about Opti-Matic
How quickly can I open or close the system?
The Opti-Matic system opens or closes 5,000 m² in approximately 10 minutes. For larger plots, this scales linearly.
Is the system suitable for existing orchards and nurseries?
Yes. The system can be installed in both new plantings and existing orchards, tree nurseries and pot plant nurseries. Our engineers will adapt the design to your situation.
Does the system also work for outdoor cultivation?
Absolutely. The Opti-Matic system is ideal for outdoor cultivation where flexible protection is required — from ornamental horticulture to vegetable cultivation in open ground.
Is it suitable for pot plant nurseries?
Yes. The shade net (50-90%) is particularly popular with pot plant growers for protection against sunburn and regulating light conditions.
How much maintenance does the system require?
Minimal. The electric motors and shafts are designed for years of use with little maintenance. We recommend an annual check-up.
Can I combine hail net and shade net?
Yes. The system can be equipped with multiple tracks, for example one track of hail net and one track of shade net, so that you can switch flexibly.
In which countries do you install?
FruitSecurity Holland installs the Opti-Matic system in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. For other countries, we work with local partners.
See the system in action
Would you like to see how the Opti-Matic system works? Watch the impression video:
Or read more on our product page:
🌐 Opti-Matic on fruitsecurityholland.com
📚 Knowledge article: Everything about shade in fruit protection
Applications per sector
Fruit growing
- Apples, pears, cherries, plums
- Protection against hail and sunburn
- Crystal or grey hail net most commonly used
Tree nurseries
- Avenue trees, ornamental trees, fruit trees
- Protection of young plants
- Combination of hail and shade net popular
Pot plant nursery
- Ornamental plants, container plants, seasonal plants
- Shade net 50-90% for climate regulation
- Protection against sunburn and heat
Outdoor cultivation
- Vegetable cultivation in open ground
- Ornamental cultivation and cut flowers
- Flexible protection throughout the season
FruitSecurity Holland: Your Partner in Automation
At FruitSecurity Holland, we believe that modern cultivation requires smart solutions — whether you are a fruit grower, tree grower or pot plant grower. The Opti-Matic system is an example of this: protection and efficiency in one system.
With more than 12 years of experience and 9 million m² of protection systems installed, we know what works. From advice to installation to aftercare — we guide you through the entire process.
No-obligation consultation
Would you like to know whether the Opti-Matic system is right for your situation? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Our specialists will be happy to visit you.
📞 Call us: 0031318-301731
📧 Email us: info@fruitsecurityholland.com
🌐 Website: www.fruitsecurityholland.com
We cover your crops so that you can grow with confidence and harvest successfully.