Net light overlap bush face
Estimate net-light panels for a flat bush or hedge face from face area, panel size, and overlap waste.
nets = ceil(face_area ÷ (panel_area × (1 − overlap_frac)))
When to use
Use this for a front-facing hedge or shrub face (height × width). It is not a 3D volume wrap and not a bulk mesh-roll waste tool.
Overlap of 10–15% reduces gaps where panels meet. Round up — you cannot buy a fraction of a net.
Measure the visible face you want lit from the street, not the full canopy circumference.
Visible face height from the curb view.
Along the front of the shrub or hedge run.
Stretched panel width on the label.
Stretched panel height on the label.
10–15% is common so seams do not show dark gaps.
Worked example
Example defaults — Face 3 × 8 = 24 sq ft; Panel 4 × 6 = 24 sq ft; Overlap 10%.
Effective panel area = 24 × 0.9 = 21.6; nets = ceil(24 / 21.6) = 2.
Without overlap the same face would round to 1 net and likely show a seam gap.
Limits / assumptions
See also: Bush net count (simple face ÷ panel), Net light bush volume (3D wrap), Mesh net overlap waste (roll waste).
Assumptions: flat rectangular face; irregular shrubs need a bounding rectangle.
Not a substitute: end-to-end set limits and outdoor cord routing still apply.
Drape nets loosely so twigs are not broken. Use outdoor-rated nets only; keep plugs off wet soil with drip loops.
FAQ
Why overlap?
Without overlap, panel edges leave dark seams on wide hedges.
Volume wrap?
For wrapping all around a shrub, use the net-light bush volume tool instead.
Panel size?
Use the stretched lighted size on the package, not the folded bag size.
Tall hedges?
Stack panels vertically and include overlap on both axes by using total face area.