Netting

Netting, in its most general sense, refers to a structure or material made of interwoven strands of fiber, cord, or wire, creating an open mesh. This mesh can be designed for a vast range of applications, from catching fish or insects to providing a safety barrier or supporting plants. The characteristics of netting vary greatly depending on its intended use, including the size of the mesh openings, the strength and material of the strands, and the overall dimensions. The term can also denote the process of creating a network or system, like "netting a profit" in business. Different types of netting are created to serve vastly different purposes in several sectors of industry.

Netting meaning with examples

• Fishermen use specialized netting to catch fish, with the mesh size carefully selected to target specific species while minimizing bycatch. They will often use a form of a buoy net that is designed to drag along the sea bed. The durability of the netting is crucial to withstand the marine environment and the weight of the catch, while also being resistant to degradation caused by the sun and the harsh saltwater.
• In agriculture, netting is employed to protect crops from birds, insects, and other pests. Protective netting is strung over fruit trees or vegetable gardens to prevent damage and promote higher yields, with the size of the mesh determining what sizes of insects that are kept away. These often require specific poles to create the proper structure. This application of netting allows for a reduction in the use of pesticides.
• Construction sites often use safety netting to prevent falls from heights, protecting workers and pedestrians. This netting, made from robust materials, acts as a vital barrier to catch falling objects. The height of this netting must take into consideration the potential drop from the structure, which must be higher than the top of the construction itself. Regular inspections ensure its integrity and effectiveness.
• Botanists can use netting to train climbing plants like roses or grapes. The netting acts as a support system, guiding the growth of the plant. It often is made from softer material, like twine, that can allow the plant to bind and grow properly, creating beautiful and organized garden spaces. This allows the plant to achieve a desired shape and form in your garden.