The Fence Post

Your Garden at Peril

Battling a burrowing woodchuck can be a relentless task. Here are some of our answers to warding off this muncher and destroyer of your prized plantings. 

Keeping a Woodchuck from Burrowing and Climbing

The clever woodchuck moves below ground as well as above.

• A 6-foot fence is required as a minimum, with 5-foot posts
• Chicken wire should be dug in 10 inches or more below ground level
• Leave a foot of chicken wire unattached from the post at the top and bend it outwards; this prevents the woodchuck from getting a good grip for climbing over the fence

Another possibility is:

• Place 3 feet of chicken wire flat on the ground around the perimeter of the garden
• After which, secure a 4 to 6-foot fence vertically 6 inches in from the chicken wire edge which will leave 2½ feet of chicken wire on the outside on the ground
• At the top, leave 12 inches of the chicken wire bent outwards away from the garden, unsecured
• The woodchuck will not be able to dig under the vertical fence because of the 3 feet of chicken wire surrounding the garden

As the updated Old Farmer's Almanac advises: The best woodchuck deterrent is a fence.

Image from Mass Audubon Society.org 

A Very Broad Diet

A woodchuck is decidedly vegetarian, and your garden falls prey to them as they gorge during spring and summer-- fattening up for their long winter in the burrow. Vegetables are prized, as well as a vegetables' early tender shoots. Stems, roots, and bark are munched as well. Here is a fairly thorough list of a woodchuck's possible victims:  

While wild grasses are a mainstay, woodchucks eat a variety of vegetation and agricultural crops including peas, beans, lettuce, zucchini, squash, pumpkin vines, green beans, broccoli, soybeans, parsnip leaves, onion stems, cilantro, dill, parsley, sage, alfalfa, eggplant, as well as clover, tree bark, and insects. Flowers at threat can include phlox, salvias, lupines, hollyhocks, rudbeckia, echinacea, poppies, astilbe, sedum, hostas, columbine, and the young, soft shoots of roses and delphiniums (though they are poisonous). Also dahlias, petunias, daisies, asters, cosmos, marigolds, nasturtiums, pansies, portulaca, tulips, sunflowers, and zinnias. Well, that does it for my garden!

Woodchuck Nation

Woodchucks are generously distributed in North America and Canada, extending to Alaska and in the south to Georgia. The clearing of forests has enabled the woodchuck to thrive. In open land and often near woods, a woodchuck's burrow is a small maze built of necessity. Entrances lead to tunnels which lead to chambers that are used for sleeping, rearing young, and even a separate chamber for burying waste. A variety of entrances provide hasty retreats when predators such as dogs and foxes appear and some holes may only be two feet deep for taking cover at such times. Burrow openings measure 8 to 12 inches, with additional holes at least 10 feet away. Not only do they eat crops, but trample them as well. Their holes can damage livestock. It is essential that we employ an appropriate arsenal to give these damaging rodents the heave-ho.

One man's battle, his fascination, and final answer--

Punxsutawney Phil

And finally, the celebration each February--the questionable observance of Groundhog Day--the honoring of one of our most destructive critters--the beloved Punxsutawney Phil who reigns as the predictor of the length of winter. Despite this fame, gardeners cast a wary eye to mounds and holes as this ravenous marauder tunnels, then nibbles and chomps through labored-over crops. Yes, it could be the single bite out of that prized tomato or the tragic beheading of a carrot that swiftly moves one to take up arms. Before we become violent, let's use some of the above-mentioned preventative measures. Ideally, a fence should be in place before a woodchuck is able to enter and start sampling produce.

At Louis Page, we are committed to providing you with the information and products that can protect your property and alleviate some of your stress. If you have questions, please get in touch, call us at (866) 328-5018.

Containment or Exclusion?

There are many different styles of woven wire fence that can be successfully used in zoo displays. These wire fencing products can also be put to use around the home, farm and public areas such as parks and recreational areas. Think of these fences when you have any situation where animals need to be contained or excluded.

Double-Wattled Cassowary & 2" x 4" woven wire mesh - Birmingham Zoo

2" x 4" openings, 12.5 gauge mesh -- Large Birds, Dogs, Horses, and Zebras

Woven 2" x 4" mesh is made with heavier 10 gauge selvage wires running along the top and bottom edge of the fence. This gives the fencing greater strength. Strong 12.5 gauge wire makes up the balance. A third piece of 12.5 gauge wire forms a smooth stiff knot around the horizontal and one piece vertical wires securely holding them together. Knotted construction gives the fence some flexibility making it easier to install over uneven ground. Woven 2" x 4" mesh is available in three different finishes: Class 1 galvanized, Class 3 galvanized and Class 3 black. It can be used effectively with very large birds, other animals such as dogs, horses and zebras and any other animal that requires a strong fence. 

Woven 2" x 2" wire mesh fence on sides of display - Franklin Park Zoo

2" x 2" openings, 16 gauge mesh -- Birds and Small Animals

Made with the same knotted construction as the 2" x 4" fencing, this lighter weight woven wire fence is made using 14 gauge wires on top and bottom and 16 gauge wires for the filler. As with its heavier brother, the fencing has inherent flexibility. 2" x 2" mesh can be used with birds and other small animals - situations where a lighter fence will be effective.

Woven Deer and wildlife fence - Franklin Park Zoo

12.5 gauge high tensile wire -- Deer and Wildlife 

Woven from 12.5 gauge high tensile wire, this strong heavily galvanized fencing can be used with many different kinds of animals. All feature spacing between horizontal wires that graduate from small at the bottom to large at the top. Heights range from 4' through 10'. Horizontal and vertical wires are held together with fixed knot construction. Deer and wildlife fencing is available with  a Class 3 galvanized finish. Some heights have a Class 3 black finish. The strength and height make this an ideal fence to use with a wide range of animals.

Deer fence gateway - Birmingham Zoo

Louis Page -- Resources for You

We source wire mesh fencing and aviary netting for zoos, parks and homes across North America. If you don't see something in this blog post, please check out our online shop or give us a call (800-225-0508) or email us (sales@LouisPage.com). We love animals and want to make sure both animals and humans stay safe and healthy for many years!

Investing in Safety

Each year, thousands of drownings and near-drowning events occur in the U.S. So many of these swimming pool tragedies are preventable. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has studied this problem extensively. Their conclusion about the best way to reduce and hopefully eliminate these incidents:

Pool owners must install and maintain effective barriers to prevent young children from entering the pool area.

Now is the time to install a pool fence and/or upgrade your existing fence. The question is, do you choose fence panels or cut the welded wire fence roll yourself? What other details do you need to know?   

Deciding on Panels vs. Cutting Wire Yourself  

Fence panels are the easiest and fastest way for pool owners to increase safety around an outdoor pool. Why? Panels are flattened and sheared to size. They might cost a little more; however, the time savings is priceless. The panels are sold in many different gauges, mesh configurations, and finishes. Panels are sold as flat unframed sheets. You can create the frame while your wire panels are in transit. 

If you are up to the challenge of cutting a welded wire fence roll, you can save a little money and order a roll to make your own fence panels. Keep in mind that there are two cuts per panel except for the first panel. For each additional cut, you must cut the exposed wires left from the previous cut. Cutting wire takes hand strength and patience. The heavier the gauge, the harder it is to cut through the wire. Pre-cut panels save you a ton of time and won't tire your hand!

>Hot Tip for DIYers: To minimize the welded wire "memory", reverse roll the cut panel, tie it and leave it in the sun to heat for the day.

Mesh and Gauges: What You Need to Know

Both panels and rolls have the same finish, wire gauge and mesh opening options. If you want to know more about finish, wire gauge, and mesh opening, read our post on the keys to choosing the right fence for you. The same opening sizes are offered in the following finish options, Plain Steel, Galvanized, Vinyl Coated, and Stainless Steel.  Panels are flattened and sheared (cut) to size from standard size roll widths (18”, 24”, 36”, 48”, 60, & 72”), but may be available in an alternate length. Just call us with questions, 800-225-0508.

Serious Consideration Required

 Swimming pool barriers should generally meet the following requirements:  

• at least 48" high
• free of footholds
• self-closing gates
• free of hand holds
• self-latching gates
• made with small openings:
• horizontal - no wider than 1-3/4"
• vertical - no higher than 4"
• locking devices on all gates
• less than 4" clearance from ground to bottom of barrier

Before installing any swimming pool barrier, it is very important to check your local codes, whether solid, with horizontal and vertical members or made using welded or woven wire mesh fence. Local codes may vary.

We believe pool fences are essential to everyone's safety. Contact us at sales@louispage.com or 800-225-0508. We can answer your questions and help you choose the product that is right for you and even calculate the right amount of panels if you choose the panel option.