Choosing Plastic Garden Netting: Height, Durability, and Installation Factors
When selecting plastic chicken wire like the MaPorch 15.7-inch tall mesh, consider whether this specific height provides adequate protection for your garden beds or poultry runs. The 2-pack configuration offers flexibility for longer runs or separate garden areas, but the 15.7-inch height may be insufficient for deterring larger animals like deer or determined rabbits that can jump or climb.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- The 15.7-inch height is ideal for low-growing vegetable protection but inadequate for taller plants or full rabbit exclusion without additional support structures.
- White plastic mesh offers better visibility than black alternatives, making it easier to spot plants and monitor for damage, but may show dirt more readily in garden settings.
- Quick-install claims depend on your soil type—hard clay requires different anchoring than loose loam, affecting the 'quick' aspect of installation.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Examine mesh flexibility versus rigidity—too rigid cracks in cold weather, too flexible sags under tension. Quality plastic netting maintains consistent grid spacing (approximately 1-inch squares in this product) without thin spots that compromise durability. UV-stabilized materials are essential for multi-season use without becoming brittle.
Garden Netting Market Context
Market Overview
The plastic garden netting market has shifted toward multi-use products that serve as plant protectors, poultry fencing, and pet barriers simultaneously, with MaPorch positioning in this versatile middle ground. Price competition has intensified, leading to thinner materials in some budget options, while premium products emphasize UV resistance and reinforced edges.
Common Issues
Plastic mesh often fails at connection points or develops memory curl from packaging that makes installation frustrating. Many products claim 'durable' but degrade within one season under direct sunlight, while others become brittle in freezing temperatures, cracking at stress points.
Quality Indicators
Superior plastic netting features welded rather than heat-pressed intersections, uniform strand thickness throughout, and includes adequate stakes or anchors for the advertised length. Look for polyethylene rather than polypropylene formulations for better cold-weather performance.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B authenticity rating with 10% estimated fake reviews suggests generally reliable feedback but warrants scrutiny of overly enthusiastic 5-star reviews. The 0.24-point drop from the displayed 4.44 to adjusted 4.20 rating indicates some review inflation, though not severe manipulation.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on verified purchase reviews discussing specific use cases like protecting strawberry beds or creating temporary chicken runs, as these demonstrate actual product experience. Be skeptical of reviews mentioning 'company responsiveness' or 'customer service' as primary positives rather than product performance.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Prioritize reviews mentioning long-term performance (6+ months) and seasonal changes, as plastic netting's true durability reveals itself over time. Look for photos showing actual installation in gardens rather than stock images, and pay attention to comments about wind resistance and sagging over the 10-foot span.
Expert Perspective
The MaPorch plastic mesh presents a competent mid-range option with its 4.20 adjusted rating reflecting genuine satisfaction among most users. The 15.7-inch height makes it specialized for low-profile applications rather than universal garden protection, which explains both its popularity for specific uses and limitations for others. The white color offers practical advantages for visibility but may require more frequent cleaning in dusty environments. The 2-pack configuration provides good value for smaller garden projects but may require joining for longer continuous runs.
Purchase Considerations
Consider this product primarily if you need temporary or seasonal protection for raised beds, seedling areas, or as a poultry divider rather than permanent fencing. The plastic construction makes it unsuitable for areas with intense rodent pressure (squirrels, rats) that can chew through plastic, but effective against birds and casual rabbit browsing. Evaluate whether you need the flexibility of plastic versus the longevity of galvanized wire for multi-year applications.
Comparing Alternatives
Compare with hexagonal poultry netting for better animal exclusion or stiffer plastic grids if wind resistance is a priority in your location.
