Hail-Proofing Your Plants: The Best Materials and Methods

Calgary, Alberta, is no stranger to unpredictable weather, and hailstorms can be particularly devastating for gardeners. Hail can damage or destroy plants in minutes, leaving you with a battered garden and a lot of work to do. Protecting your plants from hail doesn’t have to be a daunting task, though. With the right materials and methods, you can hail-proof your garden and keep your plants safe during storm season. Here’s how to do it effectively.
1. Understanding the Risks of Hail Damage
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why hail is such a threat to your plants. Hailstones, even when small, can cause significant physical damage to plants by bruising stems, shredding leaves, and breaking branches. For fruiting plants, hail can ruin crops in an instant, leading to significant losses.
Risks Include:
- Physical Damage: Hailstones can break stems, leaves, and branches, stunting plant growth.
- Crop Loss: Hail can destroy fruits, vegetables, and flowers, leading to a loss of yield.
- Soil Erosion: Heavy hail can lead to soil compaction and erosion, affecting plant roots.
2. Best Materials for Hail Protection
When it comes to protecting your plants from hail, choosing the right materials is crucial. Here are some of the best options:
a. Hail Netting
Hail netting is one of the most effective ways to protect your garden. It’s made from a durable, UV-resistant material that can withstand even the most severe hailstorms. The netting is draped over plants and secured to the ground, creating a barrier that absorbs the impact of hailstones.
Benefits:
- Durable: Designed to last multiple seasons.
- Effective: Provides excellent protection while allowing sunlight and rain to reach plants.
- Versatile: Can be used for individual plants or large garden areas.
b. Shade Cloth
Shade cloth is another popular option for protecting plants from hail. Although primarily used to reduce sunlight exposure, it also works well as a hail barrier. Available in various densities, shade cloth can be chosen based on the level of protection needed.
Benefits:
- Lightweight: Easy to install and remove.
- Customizable: Available in different densities to suit your needs.
- Dual Purpose: Protects from both hail and excessive sun.
c. Steel Frames and Corrugated Panels
For a more permanent solution, consider using steel frames with corrugated polycarbonate or metal panels. This method is particularly useful for protecting larger plants, shrubs, or garden beds. The steel frames provide a sturdy structure, while the panels offer complete protection from hail.
Benefits:
- Durable: Long-lasting protection that can withstand severe weather.
- Complete Coverage: Provides a solid barrier against hail.
- Customizable: Can be built to fit any garden size.
d. Welded Mesh Covers
Welded mesh covers are another excellent choice, especially for vegetable gardens. Made from steel or aluminum, these covers are strong enough to resist hail while allowing air, water, and light to reach the plants.
Benefits:
- Strong: Withstands heavy hail and other severe weather.
- Breathable: Allows air and water to pass through, keeping plants healthy.
- Reusability: Can be used season after season with minimal maintenance.
3. Best Methods for Hail-Proofing Your Plants
Now that you know the best materials, let’s look at the methods for effectively hail-proofing your plants.
a. Temporary Covers
For those who prefer a flexible solution, temporary covers like tarps or frost blankets can be used during hailstorms. These covers can be quickly deployed when a storm is forecasted and removed afterward.
Steps:
- Monitor Weather Forecasts: Keep an eye on the weather, and be ready to cover your plants at the first sign of a hailstorm.
- Use Stakes or Supports: Place stakes around your plants to support the cover and prevent it from resting directly on them.
- Secure the Cover: Make sure the cover is firmly secured to prevent it from being blown away by strong winds.
b. Permanent Structures
For long-term protection, building permanent structures using steel frames and corrugated panels or welded mesh is ideal. These structures provide year-round protection and can be customized to fit your garden.
Steps:
- Design the Structure: Plan the size and shape of the structure based on your garden layout.
- Install the Frame: Set up the steel frame to provide a sturdy base.
- Attach the Panels or Mesh: Secure the corrugated panels or welded mesh to the frame, ensuring there are no gaps.
c. Portable Plant Shelters
For potted plants or small garden sections, portable plant shelters can be an effective option. These shelters are lightweight, easy to move, and provide quick protection when needed.
Steps:
- Choose the Right Shelter: Select a shelter size that fits your plants or garden section.
- Position the Shelter: Place the shelter over your plants before a storm hits.
- Anchor the Shelter: Secure the shelter to the ground to prevent it from being displaced by wind.
4. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
Finally, regular maintenance and monitoring are key to ensuring your hail protection methods remain effective. Check your covers, netting, and structures regularly for any signs of wear and tear, and repair or replace them as needed.
Maintenance Tips:
- Inspect After Storms: Check your protection materials after each storm to ensure they’re still intact.
- Clean and Store Materials: If you’re using temporary covers, clean and store them properly after use.
- Replace Worn Materials: Don’t hesitate to replace any materials that show signs of damage.
Conclusion
Hail-proofing your plants is essential in areas like Calgary, where hailstorms can strike without warning. By choosing the right materials and methods, you can protect your garden from damage and ensure your plants continue to thrive. Whether you opt for hail netting, steel frames, or portable shelters, taking proactive steps will save you time, money, and heartache in the long run.
For custom steel fabrication solutions to protect your garden, contact Mobile Welder Service in Calgary. We specialize in creating durable, custom steel frames and covers that provide the ultimate protection for your plants. Let us help you hail-proof your garden today!









