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Determining Your Deer Fence Height

August 5, 2014 | by Duncan Page

Desperados

Deer are beautiful animals, with incredible natural abilities. To people who live in cities, watching and admiring deer seems like one of the major attractions of country living. People who live in the country know better; deer may be incredible animals, but their beauty and majesty quickly fade when they become uninvited guests in your garden. One hungry deer can destroy an entire crop of fruits, vegetables or flowers in just a few hours. If you live in an area populated by deer, and you want to keep your garden looking nice, you must find some way to keep them out. You need a deer fence.

The Most Likely Solution

Deer fencing is, oddly enough, metal, plastic or wooden fencing designed to keep deer away from your yard and the plants that you don’t want them eating. If deer are a problem for you, deer fencing is most likely the solution. Before you install fencing, you will need to answer a few questions. What material do you want to use? What design is best? How large an area you need to enclose? How high does the fence need to be? The answers to these questions will determine what kind of fence you need.

Material

The two main materials to choose from are metal and plastic; wood is a less common choice. Metal is more durable, but plastic comes in a wider range of colors and styles. In addition to the fencing material, there are also the posts to consider. Posts are available in plastic, metal, and wood. Choices here influence the next decision.

Design

The range of designs available for deer fencing is overwhelming. Between the choice of materials, the nearly infinite range of colors and the incredible range of designs to choose from, the sky is the limit. The most important thing is to find a fence that fits the style of your property.

Area

The size of the area you want to enclose has an influence on your choice of materials. If you want to enclose a large area, you may need to choose a less expensive material.

Height

The height of the fencing you need is governed by the size of deer that live in your area. In Florida for instance, a four-foot fence would be sufficient to protect your property from Key deer. On the other hand, in certain parts of the American Northwest, you may need a much higher fence to protect your property from Moose. A typical North American deer can clear a six-foot fence, if they are sufficiently motivated. A seven-foot black vinyl-coated or Bezinal-painted fence should keep even the most determined deer, moose or elk out of your garden. Talk to your local planning commission or check online for any zoning requirements for building codes that may limit your options.

There is no doubt that deer are majestic, beautiful animals. Though they may be beautiful, they are best enjoyed at an appropriate distance. Install the right deer fence, and you will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature and still have a beautiful yard as well as a productive garden.

Please call us if you have more questions. (866) 328-5018

Topics: deer fence, fence choices, deer and orchard fence

Wire Fencing 101: Welded vs. Woven Wire Fences

April 29, 2014 | by Duncan Page

Comparing Welded and Woven Wire

When it comes to the subject of “welded versus woven wire” fences, it may be more helpful to consider it more of a comparison, as both certainly have various merits in their favor. The first aspect to consider is the structure of each. Welded mesh fencing is created by laying wires in a simple horizontal and vertical latticework, with either square or rectangular spaces. The intersections of these wires are spot-welded to create a sheet. However, woven fences are created through a process that is quite different and much more complicated. Using machinery, the wire is loosely twisted into a gentle spiral, with each overlapping at the ends. With a quick twist, the link is made permanent and the distinctive zigzag diamond shape is formed. In modern machinery, this process takes half the time thanks to a “double helix” process.

Helpful and Not-so Helpful Designs

By understanding their basic structures, it is easy to see their functional merits. A woven wire fence's linked yet loose structure allows for a large amount of bend, twist and pull without breaking -- a perfect design if you have grazing livestock to contain. In some styles of woven agricultural fence, the vertical wires are one continuous strand. This makes a very strong and secure mesh that will hold together well when under pressure. Another type of woven mesh is “chain-link” fence and it has an unfortunate disadvantage--this fencing is only fully effective so long as every link remains strong. Once cut, it’s only a matter of time before this form of fence will become untangled and inefficient.

Welded Wire: If Weight is Applied...

Welded wire fencing, which has a structure that is solid and inflexible, is ideal for a firm and definite barrier. When cut, the wires will not begin to unravel from one another. The disadvantages of this fencing type can be seen in situations when pressure is introduced, such as livestock in need of a leaning post or any sort of vehicular crash. If weight is applied, it’s difficult for a welded wire fence to spring back to shape. It will likely deform permanently and need replacing.

Need some more advice? Louis E. Page has over 120 years of experience in the fencing business and would love to help you out. Feel free to contact us for all your fencing needs. Family-owned and operated since 1893, we’d love the opportunity to help you find what you need.

Topics: wire mesh, woven wire, welded wire fence

Deer Fence - Black Vinyl Coated 1-inch Hexagonal Mesh, 90 inches high

October 5, 2013 | by Duncan Page

Outfox the Deer

Staying ahead of these graceful interlopers requires some know-how. There are several different types of products available that can be used for deer fence. 1" hexagonal mesh that is coated with Black PVC can be used very effectively. The rolls are 7-1/2' (90") x 100'.

One Tough Fence

This black vinyl coated (VC) hexagonal poultry netting deer fence will last a long time. After 20 gauge galvanized wire is woven into a 1" hex mesh, the galvanized before weaving (GBW) roll passes through the vinyl coating process. A tough, flexible, thick coating of black PVC is tightly bonded to the wire. The resulting vinyl coated deer fence is very corrosion resistant. It is also extremely resistant to cracking, chipping and weathering. Inhibitors in the vinyl protect it from UV degradation. Black color makes the mesh blend in with the landscape.

Gives on Impact

This mesh works well as a deer barrier fence. When deer encounter a black fence, they know there is a barrier but cannot see it distinctly. They are much less likely to jump a fence if they cannot clearly see the top to clearly judge the distance. Extra tall 90" height eliminates piecing together narrower rolls. The inherent resiliency of this woven mesh allows the fence to give upon impact. Check out the advantages.

So Many Benefits

Extra tall 90" height
No need to piece shorter rolls together
Lower labor costs, shorter installation time
Flexible mesh is designed to give upon impact
The material is highly resistant to rust and corrosion
Unobtrusive barrier - black color blends with background
Weatherproof - long lifetime due to zinc and PVC protection

And Many Uses

Protect individual trees and shrubs
Ideal to use in populated suburban areas
Barrier fence to keep deer away from gardens and plantings

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Topics: deer fence, vinyl coated wire, 1" mesh

Deer Fence - Keep Your Orchard Safe

October 3, 2013 | by Duncan Page

Galvanized Wire with Secure Fixed Knot Construction

Deer Fence featuring fixed knot construction. Each vertical stay wire is tightly wrapped around horizontal line wires making a secure barrier fence. The joint acts as a hinge that gives under pressure, then springs back into shape. The Class 1 galvanized top and bottom wires are 11 gauge. The "filler" wires are 14-1/2 gauge. Galvanized wire resists weathering and normal wear and tear.

This fence was previously known as Poultry and Garden Fence. The unique spacing of the horizontal line wires keeps predators out of orchards, vineyards and gardens. The openings of the fence are graduated - smaller at the bottom, larger at the top. Wires are spaced 1" apart at the bottom, the top spacing is 4", and the vertical stay wires are spaced at 6" intervals.

Rolls are available in two different sizes:

60" x 165' - 2360-6-14.5 style
72" x 165' - 2672-6-14.5 style

Deer and Orchard Fence - Benefits

Economical galvanized fence
Larger 4" x 6" openings at the top
Smaller 1" x 6" openings at the bottom
Horizontal wires are crimped to allow for expansion
Woven construction enables fence to conform to uneven terrain
Ideal for keeping small critters away from where they're not wanted
Use for making a pen to protect rabbits, chickens and other small animals
Longer lifetime reduces frequency and high cost of repair and replacement

Deer and Orchard Fence - More Uses

Chicken runs
Rabbit enclosures
Garden perimeter fence
Nuisance wild life barrier
Wood post and rail fence backer
Protect fruit trees and berries from browsing animals

Deer and Orchard Fence is effective in a variety of settings!

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Topics: deer fence, galvanized, fixed knot, deer and wildlife fence

Why You Need Black Vinyl Coated Apron Fence

August 10, 2013 | by Duncan Page

Premium Apron Fence

Premium quality galvanized Apron Fence, manufactured by Keystone Steel and Wire in Peoria, IL, is the only 17 gauge, 1-1/2" heavy hexagonal netting made in the USA. The wire used is fully dimensional 17 gauge, on the high end of the acceptable tolerance limit.

The Apron

Keystone makes this roll as Galvanized Before Weld (GBW) material. They weave previously galvanized 17 gauge wire into the 1-1/2" hex netting. 17 gauge (.054") is much heavier than the standard 20 gauge (.0348") used in weaving standard chicken wire. Consequently, it is a much stronger product and will last a lot longer.

This Apron Fence is available in two roll sizes: 60" x 150' (48" high with a 12" apron) and 72" x 150' (60" high with a 12" apron). The roll is made with a single line wire running the length of the roll, 12" up from the bottom. This wire acts as a guideline when you are bending the 12" section out 90 degrees to form the apron.

Another Layer of Protection

Thick, Flexible, and Resists Peeling

Keystone does not have the ability to vinyl coat their Apron Fence. Its 60" rolls are sent to another quality US mill to be custom coated. This mill specializes in vinyl coating all types of wire mesh, including mesh used in building lobster traps. Here a high quality, thick and flexible coating of UV treated Black PVC is tightly bonded to the wire mesh. The coating is so tightly bonded that it resists scraping. It cannot be easily scraped off with a fingernail. And it will not peel off easily.

The finished product is first quality in every respect. Expected lifetime is hard to predict. Local environmental conditions in the air, soil, and rain have an impact on the length of time fencing material will last. These conditions vary enormously from one part of the country to another.

Enduring Quality

Knowing the material is produced by two of the leading mills in the United States can give you confidence that this product is the highest quality available. The extra handling and shipping involved in moving the material from one mill to the other do add to the cost. But the quality and endurance is there in every roll and speaks for itself.

Easy to Use

Vinyl coated Apron Fence is very easy to use. The smooth finish makes it easy to handle and install. The unique 12" apron prevents animals from burrowing under the fence, keeping raccoons, foxes and other predators out of birds and pets in. The apron can be turned in either direction - to the outside to make a barrier or to the inside to make a pen.

Seamless Installation

Installation is easy since there is no need to dig a trench. Bend the mesh along the guideline. Just lay the apron on top of the ground so that vegetation grows up through it. This will securely anchor it in place. Digging animals will start at the fence itself, not realizing they have to start 12" away with their digging. This is a very effective barrier.

There are many uses for Apron Fence as a perimeter fence, such as:

Many individuals and clubs use it to fence in training pens for their beagles. Due to the high quality of the product, replacement and repair costs and concerns are kept to a minimum.
It makes an ideal fence around a garden. The black color of the vinyl makes the mesh virtually invisible against the background. You can get an unrestricted view of your garden.
Vinyl coated Apron Fence has been used in building game bird pens. The black color is a visibility advantage here as well.

If you are looking for a quality product that can provide an attractive, secure barrier on the ground surface as well as vertically, consider using vinyl coated Apron Fence.

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