The Fence Post

A nuisance in the fields, gardens, highways...

It is common knowledge that deer have become a problem which seems to intensify every year.  Deer have been forced into closer contact with humans as their natural habitat has decreased. Also, the numbers of their main predators, wolves and cougars, have dwindled over the years. Hence, their population is on the rebound. As a result, deer have become not only a nuisance but also, in some situations, a threat to human life.

• Hungry deer invade gardens and areas with expensive plantings.
• The impact on agriculture - farms and orchards - is extensive and expensive.
• The USDA estimates that total deer damage from auto collisions and crop and timber losses
  reaches at least $1 billion a year
• Deer on the roads cause many accidents, often fatal to both deer and people.
• There are 1.5 million car accidents with deer each year, resulting in human fatalities, and personal injuries.
• When deer are present there is an increased risk to humans of Lyme disease spread by ticks.
• Deer overpopulation reduces the quality of habitat. The resulting lack of food can lead to unhealthy diseased deer.

The population increases have been in both urban and suburban areas. Forested areas have suffered, too. The over-browsing of the undergrowth of trees robs birds of habitat and disrupts new growth of trees: disrupting seedlings, buds, while the rubbing of antlers on trees can destroy them completely.

It's not always straightforward. A few possible means of control are:

      Exclusion  

• Deer and wildlife fence barriers
• Individual trees and plants protection
• Plants deer dislike                                                                                                                                             

      Deterrents                                                                                                                                                               

• Devices to scare deer with sound or visual stimuli
• Dogs
• Repellents using odors deer dislike                                                                                                                   

      Population management                                                                                                                                       

• Hunting
• Culling - thinning out weak unhealthy animals
• Fertility control

What do you think is the best solution for your particular deer problem?

Is there one solution that can address every situation? Is inaction the better strategy?

The Wonders of Automation--

Welded Wire Meshes and Fences

• As the name implies, they are made from wires that have been welded into a mesh.
• In most cases, the same gauge of wire is used throughout the roll.
• Welded joints are rigid and have little flexibility.
• Many welded products with larger openings are used as fencing.
• Mesh sizes can range from 1/2" x 1/2" up to 6" x 6".
• Meshes with smaller openings are usually made with lighter gauge wires.
• These are mostly used as screening.
• Some specifications of welded meshes are vinyl coated.

• Welded fencing is ideal to use on flat terrain where little flexibility is necessary.
• Some examples of uses:

Woven Wire Meshes and Fences

What are they?

• Fences made by weaving the wires into a mesh.
• Different gauge wires are sometimes used in the same roll.
• Woven joints are flexible yet very strong.
• There are a wide variety of mesh size openings available.
• Hexagonal netting (chicken wire), field and farm fence, deer and wildlife fence, chain link and ornamental fence are some examples.

What are their uses?

• Woven wire fences are ideal to use in situations where the ground is uneven.
• The inherent flexibility allows the fence to adjust more easily to grade changes.
• Some examples of uses:

Keep these differences in mind when you are planning to install a fence. Which type do you want to use?

Protect your Garden from the Wee Beasties

Watch this video and learn how to install vinyl coated welded wire garden fence. Keep rabbits and other looters from feasting on your plants.

Wait a sec, they weren't invited to the party.

There is no question that deer are becoming an increasing threat to the garden, trees, and shrubbery on your property. The need for food and a steady decrease in habitat force deer into residential and commercial areas. What types of deer fence can be used for deer exclusion?

Your choice will be determined by various factors:

• local codes and ordinances - be sure to check for height and material restrictions
• aesthetic considerations - determine what fits best with your property, height, visibility, design, and appearance
• expense considerations - the cost of the fence vs value of your plantings
• effectiveness of the fence - strength, longevity, need for repair
• extent of protection - entire property or individual plantings

Varieties of deer fencing available:

• wood & vinyl - solid, slatted (use close spacing)
• metal - welded, woven, galvanized, vinyl coated, single strand electric, wire mesh
• plastic - extruded mesh

Whichever deer fence you choose, make sure that your fence is well braced to resist pushing. Even though deer can jump over eight feet, your fence will not have to be that high. You should place the deer fence at least 12" from the plants you want to protect.

Good luck on your project!