Summary
To winterize a high tunnel greenhouse like the Tunnel Pro Plus, choose a dry, wind-free day and work with a team of 4–8 people. Loosen but do not remove the straps, detach the poly at the end arches, and set up lifting straps (about one per 50 ft). Attach the poly to a tube, use lifting lines to roll it evenly over the tunnel, and guide it across the arches. Place the folded poly in the Y-junction and secure it with three straps between each post. Check that everything is tight and uniform. Your Tunnel Pro Plus is now ready for winter.
Proper winterization ensures that your Tunnel Pro Plus structure stays protected, stable, and ready to withstand harsh winter conditions. This guide walks you through each step of the winterization process, with clear instructions and image placeholders to help you follow along.
1. Choose the Right Day to Winterize a High Tunnel Greenhouse
Select a dry, wind-free day with low humidity.
Plan a team of 4 to 8 people, depending on tunnel length; roughly two people per 50 ft section.
2. Prepare the High Tunnel Greenhouse
- Roll the doors completely open.
- Undo the knots where the two straps cross.
- Cut a 5-ft (60 in) length of strap and tie it to both ends of the existing straps, securing them to the posts.
3. Loosen All Straps
Loosen every strap, but do not remove them.
They must stay in place for the entire procedure to winterize a high tunnel greenhouse
4. Prepare Lifting Straps
Prepare lifting straps approximately 50 feet long.
These will be used to lift the polyethylene cover.
5. Detach the Polyethylene at the End Arches
Detach the cover at both ends of the arches to free it before lifting.
6. Install the Lifting Straps
Pass a 50-foot strap over the top of the tunnel and secure it safely.
This will be used to lift the cover.
7. Prepare the Tube and Clamp the Polyethylene to winterize a high tunnel greenhouse
- Place the 1 ¼-inch round tube (2TP20608) on the opposite side of its final position.
- Fix the polyethylene to the tube using 5C23 clamps, spaced 30 inches center-to-center.
- Install one 5P096-1 strap at each end of the tube.
8. Prepare the Lifting Lines
Attach a second 5P096-1 strap to each of those straps already fixed to the tube.
Repeat every 50 ft.
A 150-ft tunnel requires three lifting straps.
9. Lift the Polyethylene Cover
- Assign team members to each lifting line.
- Pull both sides simultaneously, rolling the cover evenly without twisting.
- Inside the tunnel, assistants help guide the cover over the arches and ridge using poles.
10. Place the Folded Cover in the Y-Junction
Place the folded polyethylene between the tunnels, inside the Y-shaped junction.
If multiple tunnels are connected, the first Y-junction will contain two folded covers.
11. Secure the Cover for Winter
- Secure the folded cover using three strap sections between each post.
- Ensure the poly is tucked in smoothly to prevent water infiltration.
- Verify that all straps are tightened and secure.
Your high tunnel Is Now Ready for Winter
If you have any questions or need technical support, contact us at:
📧 sales@harnois.com
Thank you to Production Lareault for letting us shoot this step-by-step guide on how to Winterize a High Tunnel Greenhouse