Shade nets are UV-treated, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) woven or knitted fabric used to block a specific percentage of sunlight, reduce heat, and retain soil moisture.
Shade nets are important farm materials used to control excessive sunlight, heat, wind and exposure in agricultural and outdoor spaces. In Kenya, they are commonly used in nurseries, vegetable farms, flower production areas, greenhouses, fencing, carports and livestock structures.
The percentage of a shade net tells you how much sunlight the material is designed to block. For example, a 50% shade net blocks approximately half of the incoming sunlight, while a 90% shade net provides much heavier shading. Shade nets can also be used together with a greenhouse polythene sheet. While greenhouse polythene mainly provides weather protection and creates the greenhouse enclosure, shade netting is mainly used to reduce solar radiation and heat.
Shade Nets Coefficiencies Explained
A shade net coefficient refers to the percentage of sunlight that the net is designed to block.
In simple terms, the higher the percentage, the more sunlight the net blocks.
For example, a 50% shade net allows approximately 50% of incoming light to pass through, while a 90% shade net allows approximately 10% to pass through.
| Shade Net Percentage | Approximate Shading | Approximate Light Passing Through |
| 50% | 50% | 50% |
| 55% | 55% | 45% |
| 60% | 60% | 40% |
| 65% | 65% | 35% |
| 75% | 75% | 25% |
| 80% | 80% | 20% |
| 90% | 90% | 10% |
Why the Shade Percentage Matters
The main reason for using shade netting is to control the amount of solar radiation reaching the plants or covered area. A suitable shade level can help to:
- Reduce excessive heat.
- Reduce water loss through evaporation.
- Protect young plants from sunburn.
- Reduce heat stress.
- Improve nursery conditions.
- Protect flowers and sensitive plants.
- Provide comfortable working conditions.
- Reduce direct sunlight in outdoor structures.
- Protect vegetables against bird’s attack
Plants need light. The correct percentage depends on the crop, growth stage, location, season and intended use.
Shading Requirements Per Crop Class
Different crops have different light requirements. A leafy vegetable, a young seedling and an ornamental flower may not require the same shade level.
The Kenyan climate also varies considerably. A farm in a hot, low-altitude area may experience stronger solar radiation than a farm in a cooler highland location.
Therefore, farmers should consider the following before selecting a shade net:
- Type of crop.
- Crop growth stage.
- Local temperature.
- Altitude.
- Season.
- Greenhouse design.
- Amount of natural sunlight.
- Irrigation availability.
- Ventilation.
50%, 55% to 65% Shade Nets for Field Vegetables
Field vegetables require adequate sunlight for photosynthesis. However, excessive heat and direct sunlight can cause plants to lose water quickly, wilt or suffer heat stress.
50% Shade Net
A 50% shade net provides moderate shading while allowing approximately half of the incoming light through. It can be used where farmers want to reduce strong sunlight without creating a heavily shaded environment.
It can also be useful where irrigation water is limited because reducing solar exposure can help reduce moisture loss from the growing area. Potential applications include:
- Leafy vegetables.
- Nursery hardening.
- Vegetable gardens.
- Temporary crop protection.
- Areas experiencing high daytime temperatures.
55% Shade Net
A 55% shade net provides slightly more protection than a 50% net while still allowing substantial light through. This level may be suitable for farms where 50% shading is not sufficient to control heat but a heavier 60–65% shade would reduce too much light.
The difference between 50% and 55% may appear small, but shade levels should always be considered together with crop requirements and local environmental conditions.
60% Shade Net
A 60% shade net blocks approximately 60% of incoming sunlight.
It provides stronger protection and can be useful in hot areas or applications where moderate-to-heavy shading is required.
However, farmers should monitor crop growth when using this level. If plants begin producing weak, elongated growth or show signs of inadequate light, the shading level may be too high for that crop.
65% Shade Net
A 65% shade net provides considerable protection from direct sunlight.
It may be useful for specific vegetables, nursery applications and hot areas where strong solar radiation is a problem.
It should be used carefully on crops that require high light levels.
| Shade Level | General Use | Light Passing Through |
| 50% | Moderate vegetable shading | About 50% |
| 55% | Moderate-plus shading | About 45% |
| 60% | Stronger heat protection | About 40% |
| 65% | Heavy vegetable shading | About 35% |
75% Shade Net for Nurseries and Flowers
Young seedlings are generally more sensitive to strong environmental conditions than established plants. A nursery needs enough light for healthy development but also requires protection from excessive heat, strong sunlight and rapid water loss.
A 75% shade net blocks approximately three-quarters of incoming sunlight and allows around one-quarter to pass through. This makes it suitable for applications requiring heavy shading.
Nursery Applications
75% shade netting can be used in:
- Seedling nurseries.
- Tree seedling propagation areas.
- Young transplants.
- Sensitive ornamental plants.
- Selected flower nurseries.
- Hardening areas.
90% Shade Nets for Fencing and Carports
A 90% shade net provides very heavy shading. Approximately 10% of light may pass through, depending on the product specification.
This percentage is generally more suitable for structures where the main objective is shade, privacy or screening rather than crop production.
90% Shade Net for Fencing
Farmers and property owners commonly use high-density shade netting along fences.
It can provide:
- Privacy.
- Reduced visibility.
- Wind reduction.
- Dust screening.
- Separation between properties.
- A more finished appearance.
For farms located near busy roads, a high-density net can also reduce the amount of dust reaching certain areas.
90% Shade Net for Carports
Carports require strong protection from direct sunlight.
A 90% shade net can reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching vehicles and create a cooler parking area. It can be used for:
- Farm vehicles.
- Private cars.
- Commercial parking.
- School parking areas.
- Business premises.
- Outdoor equipment storage.
The structure must be strong enough to support the net and withstand wind.
Shading Net Colours: Green and Black with Other Colours
Colour can influence the appearance and light characteristics of a net, but farmers should not select a shade net based on colour alone. The percentage of shading, material quality and UV stabilisation are more important when choosing a general-purpose net.
Green Shade Net
Green shade nets are very popular for agricultural applications. They blend naturally with vegetation and are commonly used for:
- Vegetable farms.
- Nurseries.
- Garden structures.
- Tree seedlings.
- Landscaping.
- General agricultural shade.
Black Shade Net
Black shad nets to provide a practical general-purpose shading solution especially where strong shading is required. Black shade nets are frequently used for:
- Nurseries.
- Fencing.
- Carports.
- Livestock shade.
- Construction sites.
- Outdoor equipment protection.
Shade Net Material and Construction
Most quality agricultural shade nets are manufactured from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). HDPE is suitable for outdoor use because it is strong, flexible and resistant to moisture.
A good agricultural shade net should ideally have UV stabilisation. This is important because the material will be exposed to sunlight for long periods.
Important Specifications to Check
- Shade percentage.
- Material type.
- UV stabilisation.
- Width of the roll.
- Mesh construction.
- Weight per square metre where provided.
- Expected lifespan.
- Colour.
- Manufacturer or supplier specifications.
Pricing and Lifespan of Shade Nets
The price of shade nets in Kenya varies depending on the percentage, quality, colour, width, UV treatment and quantity purchased.
| Shade Percentage | Indicative Price Range |
| 50% | Kshs 95 per m² |
| 55% | Kshs 100per m² |
| 60% | Kshs 105 per m² |
| 65% | Kshs 115 per m² |
| 75% | Kshs 120 per m² |
| 90% | Kshs 160 per m² |
How to Calculate Shade Net Cost
The basic calculation is:
Total cost = Required area × Price per square metre
For example, if a farmer requires 500 square metres of 60% shade net at Kshs 150 per square metre:
500 × Kshs 100 = Kshs 50,000
This does not include installation materials or labour.
When calculating the required quantity, allow for overlaps, fixing points and the shape of the structure.
Shade Net Lifespan
The lifespan of a shade net depends on its material quality, UV treatment, installation and exposure to weather.
A good UV-stabilised shade net can commonly last around 3–7 years under normal outdoor conditions. Higher-quality products may last longer when properly installed and maintained.
| Factor | Effect on Lifespan |
| UV stabilisation | Improves resistance to sunlight |
| Strong winds | Can cause tearing |
| Correct installation | Reduces mechanical damage |
| Sharp structures | Can puncture the net |
| Proper tension | Prevents excessive movement |
| Regular inspection | Helps identify damage early |
| Quality HDPE material | Improves durability |
Shade Net and Greenhouse Polythene Sheet
A greenhouse polythene sheet is mainly used as the protective cover of a greenhouse. It helps protect crops from rain and other weather conditions while allowing sunlight into the growing space.
Shade net is primarily used to reduce sunlight and heat.
| Feature | Greenhouse Polythene Sheet | Shade Net |
| Main function | Greenhouse covering | Shade and solar control |
| Blocks rain | Yes | No |
| Controls sunlight | Limited/moderate | Main purpose |
| Allows airflow | Limited when enclosed | High |
| Common material | Agricultural polyethylene | HDPE |
| Shade percentage | Not normally expressed this way | 50–90%+ |
| Main applications | Greenhouses | Nurseries, fencing, carports |
Choosing the Right Shade Percentage
The best shade net is not necessarily the one with the highest percentage.
- 50% – moderate shading.
- 55% – moderate-plus shading.
- 60% – stronger solar protection.
- 65% – heavy shading for selected applications.
- 75% – nurseries and sensitive plants.
- 90% – fencing, privacy and carports.
Installation and Maintenance
The net should be properly supported and secured without creating unnecessary stress on the material.
For fencing, strong support posts and horizontal wires help prevent wind from pulling the net away from the structure.
For nurseries, the support structure should provide sufficient height and ventilation.
Farmers should regularly inspect for:
- Tears.
- Loose sections.
- Broken support wires.
- Damaged posts.
- Brittle material.
- Areas affected by wind.