Last update: September 2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes

Many fruit growers postpone purchasing an orchard canopy due to one major concern: "My tractors and equipment won't be able to drive along the sides of my orchard." This concern is understandable, but completely unnecessary. We'll show you how it can be done.

Why Do Those Anchors Block Access Anyway?

Professional orchard canopies require anchors for stability. These anchor cables must be positioned 2.5 to 3 meters (8-10 feet) away from the system to provide sufficient strength. Placing them closer may seem logical, but dramatically weakens your system.

The problem: this 2.5-3 meter zone becomes inaccessible for:

• Tractors with cabins (cannot turn around)
• Self-propelled sprayers (especially problematic for cherry orchards requiring treatment from both sides)
• Aerial work platforms (also difficult when rolling up nets and covers since you cannot drive close to the poles)
• Mowing and weed control equipment

The result? That valuable strip must be chemically treated (herbicide application to prevent all vegetation) or converted to a flower strip. Unproductive land where no fruit grows.

"Just Make the Anchor Distance Smaller" - Why This is Dangerous

Many growers receive this advice. We strongly advise against this. A smaller anchor distance means:

❌ Reduced stability - your system may fail during storms
❌ Higher replacement costs - weaker systems fail sooner
❌ Insurance issues - if the system isn't built to standards

"I've seen many systems fail because the anchor distance was too small. The 2.5-3 meters isn't luxury, it's essential for a stable system," explains our head technician after 15 years of experience.

The Real Solution: 2 Professional Methods

At FruitSecurity Holland, we've built 367 turnkey projects in 24 countries including the UK, Ireland, USA, and Canada. From this experience, 2 proven solutions have emerged that guarantee both optimal stability and complete accessibility.

Solution 1: Extra Side Pole System

Best for: Cherry growers, farms with budget constraints, new installations

How it works:

1. Extra short pole is placed between your tree row and the anchor
2. Anchor distance: 1.0 meter (3.3 feet) from short pole to anchor
3. Total distance: 4.0 meters (13 feet) from anchor to main pole (stronger than standard!)
4. Clearance height: 2.5-3.0 meters (8-10 feet) - all machinery can pass underneath

Technical specifications:

• Short side pole minimum 1.0 meter (3.3 feet) lower than main pole
• Drive width: full row spacing available
• Suitable for: all canopy types, especially film covers

Advantages:

✅ Cost-effective - minimal additional materials required
✅ Proven technology - applied since 2015
✅ Perfect for cherries - enables treatment from both sides
✅ Complete accessibility - no machinery is hindered

Solution 2: Border-Tension-System Revolution

Best for: Existing systems, farms wanting complete freedom, premium solution

How it works:

1. Special steel construction replaces traditional anchor cables
2. Innovative tensioning system distributes forces optimally
3. Barrier-free zone - no obstacles for machinery
4. Flexible installation - works with any anchor spacing

Technical specifications:

• Material: Galvanized steel, UV-resistant
• Installation: Professional assembly in 1 day
• Warranty: Complete system with extended warranty period
• Suitable for: all canopy types, including existing systems

Advantages:

✅ Absolute freedom - zero restrictions for machinery movement
✅ Future-proof - ready for robotics and automation
✅ Quick installation - minimal downtime for your operation
✅ Premium quality - Austrian technology

Which Solution Fits Your Situation?

Choose Extra Side Pole System if:

• You grow cherries (requiring treatment from both sides)
• You're installing a new system
• Budget is a consideration
• You prefer traditional, proven technology

Choose Border-Tension-System if:

• You have an existing system
• You want complete freedom for future automation
• You want the latest technology
• Quick installation is important

Frequently Asked Questions From Growers

"Can't I just place the anchors closer?"

Answer: Technically possible, but it severely weakens your system. We've seen systems fail during storms because anchor distance was too small. The 2.5-3 meters isn't luxury - it's essential for stability.

"What does such a solution cost?"

Answer: Costs vary per situation and chosen solution. The Extra Side Pole System is more cost-effective, the Border-Tension-System is a premium solution. Both are often cheaper than losing crop area to chemical treatment.

"Can this be applied to my existing canopy?"

Answer: Yes, both solutions can often be applied to existing systems. The Border-Tension-System is specifically developed for retrofit applications.

"How much workspace do I gain?"

Answer: You regain the full 2.5-3 meter wide strip on both sides. For one hectare (2.5 acres), this means approximately 500-600 m² (5,400-6,500 sq ft) of additional usable land.

"Does this work for crops other than cherries?"

Answer: Absolutely. An apple grower told us: "With this solution I have much more workspace at the outer rows. I can now easily harvest, spray and prune without problems."

Concrete Benefits For Your Operation

Increased Efficiency:

• No more detours - direct access to all rows
• Faster operations through better accessibility
• Less machinery damage from hitting cables

Financial Advantages:

• No more chemical treatment needed (savings on herbicides)
• No loss of productive area
• Lower machinery maintenance due to less damage

Operational Advantages:

• Meets regulatory requirements for cherry cultivation (treatment from both sides)
• Better crop protection through optimal accessibility
• Less stress during busy seasons

The Result: Complete Workspace Returned

Fruit growers who apply our solutions get their complete workspace back. No more chemically treated strips, no detours, no damaged machinery from collisions with anchor cables. The result is a canopy that not only protects against weather, but also functions optimally in daily operations.

The Next Step: Free Consultation

Every situation is unique. Your orchard layout, machinery types, budget and future plans determine which solution is optimal.

Our advisors always examine first:

1. Your current situation - what machinery do you use?
2. Orchard layout - how can we design optimally?
3. Budget and wishes - which solution fits best?
4. Future plans - automation, expansion?

Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Call directly: +31 (0)318-301731
Or email: info@fruitsecurityholland.com

What you receive:

✅ Expert consultation about your specific situation
✅ Technical analysis based on your orchard details
✅ No-obligation quote for both solutions
✅ Clear planning and timelines

About FruitSecurity Holland: Specialist in crop protection since 2014. More than 6,500,000 m² covered in 24 countries including UK, Ireland, USA, and Canada. From design to installation, everything from one source.

Keywords: orchard canopy anchors problem, machinery blocked anchor cables, hail nets side solution, cherry canopy spray both sides, tractor cannot drive canopy, anchor distance too large, fruit grower canopy problem, border tension system, extra side pole canopy