The Fence Post

Is it Time for an Apron Fence?

Although the name "apron fence" might make this product sound like kitchen garb, it is actually a versatile and uniquely designed fence that is ideal for a host of different applications. 

No Trench

Since there is no need to dig a trench (a time bandit hassle), installation is quick and easy. Simply place the apron on the ground and cover it with soil or grass for a neater appearance. Vegetation will grow up through the mesh, securing the fence to the ground.

Perfect for Beagles etc.

Apron fence is ideal for beagle training pens, running pens, kennels, as well as game bird pens and chicken pens. Great for a garden fence because it protects the garden from hungry wildlife looking for a free and tasty meal!

Choose Galvanized or Vinyl-Coated

Apron fence is made of 17 gauge galvanized steel 1½” hex wire, making it more than twice as strong as standard 20 gauge 1” hex chicken wire. This greater strength and durability provide longer life. Made in the USA, it is available in two sizes – 60” (48” fence height, 12" apron) and 72” (60” fence height, 12" apron) and in galvanized or vinyl-coated finish.

Long-Lasting, Flexible, and Attractive

The vinyl coating is bonded to the wire and is UV stabilized for long life. The black vinyl coating is more attractive and blends into the background, becoming nearly invisible; plus, you can easily see what is inside the fence, enhancing the perspective of your garden. Paying more upfront for vinyl coating will save money and time in the long run because it will last years longer than the galvanized, and will eliminate the expense and hassle of replacing the fence.

Whether your objective is keeping animals in or keeping them out, Apron Fence will exceed expectations!

Safe and Simple Installation

Don't worry, we believe in freedom of movement for all ducks and no ducks are ever harmed using DUCKBILL® EARTH Anchors! So, you may ask, “What are DUCKBILL anchors and what are they used for?” Glad you asked!    

The anchors work very much like toggle bolts in soil. They are driven into the ground with no holes, no digging, and minimal soil disturbance creating a safe and environmentally sensitive installation. The anchor body is driven into the soil with a reusable drive steel (drive rod). Once the anchor body is placed to the proper depth the drive rod is removed. With an upward pull, the anchor tendon rotates the DUCKBILL into a perpendicular “anchor lock” position in undisturbed soil resulting in superior holding capacities. Plus, there are no potentially hazardous metal eye bolts or hooks above ground to trip over or for the lawnmower to hit.

DUCKBILL Earth Anchors are used in a wide variety of applications.

Excellent Theft Deterrence

There are reported losses of millions of dollars per year due to theft. DUCKBILL anchors reduce theft and unwanted movement of objects like:

• Tables
• Benches
• Grills
• Trash cans
• Bicycles
• Signs

Help with Horticulture

Helping Trees Establish Themselves

DUCKBILL Tree Guy Systems are perfect for keeping trees vertical and limiting motion, letting the roots establish themselves for quicker, healthier growth. It protects trees from being blown over and killed by the wind. Easy, safe installation means more trees anchored per hour and a more professional appearance. When the guy systems are not possible or desirable, such as in playgrounds, parks, or where sidewalk plantings are required, use the Root Ball Kit. It is specifically designed to hold the tree’s root ball firmly in place, with only the tree protruding above the ground. Each kit comes with three anchors with D-ring and one strap with a hand ratchet.

• Tree guy support system
• Rootball stabilization kit

Remarkably Multi-Purpose

DUCKBILL Earth Anchors are used worldwide to secure any object that can be stolen, moved, or blown down like:

• Fences
• Vineyards
• Sheds
• Tents
• Mobile Homes
• Airplanes
• Towers
• Signs
• Antennas
• Scaffolding
• Playground Equipment
• Structures
• Turf Reinforcement/Erosion control

300 to 5,000 Pounds Holding Capacity  

Anchors are available in 4 Aluminum alloy models and 3 Galvanized ductile iron models (for very hard soils). The anchors range in holding capacities in normal soil from 300 to 5,000 pounds. The anchors are designed to function in the total range of soils. Normally, wherever you can drive a stake or drill a hole, you can use a DUCKBILL.

The next time you need to secure something to the ground, consider using a DUCKBILL earth anchor. They are safe, strong, and easy to install, and are designed to work in a multitude of applications. Can you think of any additional ways DUCKBILL anchors can help you feel more secure?

Just a Bit of Elbow Grease                                          

You've worked hard to put up your fence. Everything looks great. The wire mesh is tight and straight. But over time, something may happen that causes the tension in the wire to slacken. Alas, do not despair! What can you do to fix the problem? Watch this video and learn how to tighten up your fence using a pair of pliers.

You can use this simple technique to tighten many types of fencing materials: welded wire fence mesh, woven wire fence, lawn and garden fence, single strand wire, field fence, etc. Keep your fence looking tight and secure!

Do you know of any other ways to tighten a fence?

Wire mesh and wire fencing are things in which people just don’t have much knowledge. It's rare that someone at the big-box home improvement store, or a relative or neighbor for that matter, might know something about how to select it. Wire fence is sort of a specialty item, and if you find yourself in need of it, information tailored for the end consumer can seem scarce. An ignorant seller can pass on this lack of knowledge to the customer and you end up with an unhappy buying-selling relationship. Even a good-intentioned seller can spread costly misinformation while meaning to help. The customer meanwhile is more inclined to believe what he or she is told, particularly when that means a lower price.

To Illustrate: A Fictional Conversation

How bad information can be circulated. 

Characters:

Big Box Bob--mowed lawns and weed-whacked as part of a grounds maintenance team, now in school to be an electrician and working as an apprentice.

Frugal Francine--Francine is an accountant by day and tends her garden and cares for her two Doberman pinschers on nights and weekends.

Scene: In the lawn and garden section of a local big-box retailer. 

Francine (approaches Bob): Hi. I want some fence to replace the rusty old chicken wire I put around my garden. There were a couple of rolls of it when I bought the house and I usually just replace it every couple of years when it gets too mangled to deal with. I’m sick of that though. I can’t be replacing the fence every year, and plant my garden, and still have time for my dobies. I’d rather just put something up that’s going to last. I’ve looked online a little and found that there are several options for a garden fence. They all sound like they are built to last a long time, but there is so much difference in price between the different types of...of...galvanized wire, and then even more disparity between the galvanized and the...the...vinyl coated wire. Incredibly, not even all vinyl-coated wire is the same price. Is there really that much difference in quality, or is it all a big scam? I’m so frustrated. I just want a fence that will be permanent. What I value, is reliability and I don’t want to pay for fancy stuff that I don’t need. Please help me!

Bob: Francine I totally understand your frustration and I think I can help. I’ve actually never worked with wire mesh or fencing, but I do have some knowledge about what galvanizing does and I have some thoughts about what you are paying for with some of the fancier vinyl-coated stuff.

Francine: Oh Bob, you're wonderful! Please! Tell me how it is.

Bob: Fran, It’s like this. Galvanizing is a process by which a protective zinc coating is applied to steel or iron so that it does not rust (Wikipedia). If the fencing is galvanized, then that is all you need for it to last indefinitely assuming it doesn’t get cut or trampled. All the other things like galvanized after weld and the different types of vinyl coating are for aesthetic purposes, or to make it stronger to keep animals in or something. So, if you want to save some moolah and still have a fence that lasts forever, I would just get the inexpensive, galvanized before weld, welded wire. Any other questions, Franny?

Franny: Hmm...what you say sure sounds technical and smart. I’ll admit that saving a few dollars would be really nice. I really appreciate you not pushing the pricey stuff on me. Are you sure galvanized won’t rust?

Bob: Yes. Sure, looked it up me-self. (First sentence about galvanization on Wikipedia.)

Fran: Okay Bob. I really appreciate your expertise. I’ll take a roll and some 6-foot steel posts, please.

Bob: Dealio!  (And...scene.)
 

Differences

So, you can see how there are no bad intentions here. Bob thinks he is being very decent and fair, and Francine feels as though she has been treated well and will never have to replace this galvanized fence. Unfortunately, Bob’s instincts have not served him well, and Francine’s trust has been misplaced. Galvanized does not last forever. The chart below from Bekaert Corporation gives an idea of how long galvanized can last and the difference between types of galvanized wire.

First Signs of Rust

Depending on the type of galvanizing that is done, Francine could be looking at one year or less before she starts to see rust forming on her “rust-proof” fence. How will Francine feel about Bob when the first signs of rust appear at the weld points on her fence? What distinguishes a long-lasting fence from a semi-temporary one can be seemingly subtle differences. It is worth it to find someone who has taken the time to know the difference between the vast array of products available.

So What's Collecting Dust?

Whether you’re making a kennel floor, putting a fence up in your yard, or building a cage, you may have extra fence materials lying around and you think, what can I do with all this extra wire? Well here are some ideas.

Gabions--a Variety of Uses

Gabions originally were cylindrical wicker baskets filled with earth and stones used in building fortifications. You can cut to size your square or rectangle pieces of fence or wire mesh to form a box. Then use hog rings or j-clips to hold the box together. Fill in the boxes with stones and then stack them. Gabions can be used in many ways around the home, including:

• planters
• retaining walls
• outdoor fireplaces
• decorative walls around a garden or pool
• benches and seating areas around the yard

Lots more ideas for using Gabions

Screen Guard

Trying to keep your screens looking great is not always easy with dogs and cats around. Put your extra wire mesh up as a screen guard. This will make it harder for the animals to pull at the screen. It will ease up the constant changing of your screens - unless you have teenagers who forget their keys and decide to rip open the screen instead of pulling the cord!

Training Climbers

Build a large trellis or a smaller portable one. Simply by using some wood posts and welded wire mesh, teepee two panels on each side with two horizontal posts at the top for support. Some of your leftover fencing with 1" x 2" mesh or bigger openings are best. Fasten it to your frames. Train the cucumbers as they grow by winding the plants up the fence. Growing your cucumbers vertically can save space for other vegetables and stop them from rotting by sitting on the ground.

And more ideas...

With some imagination, there are many things you can do with that leftover wire mesh you have hanging around.

• Cat enclosures
• Trash containers
• Small garden covers
• Cubed storage shelves
• Wire mesh cabinet doors
• Stairway and deck railing fillers

Let's put our heads together and come up with some new ideas!

Terry