The Fence Post

Have a little respect for the fence! Here's another:

Now, How to Master Fence Jumping

Now! Here is a series of rigorous tutorials on how to get over a fence safely! 

Please, be careful out there!

What Kind of Garden Fence Do You Need?

Will you build a new garden fence this year?

Are you wondering what kind of fences will work well in your garden?

There are several different types of fences available that are excellent for gardens.

Welded Wire

These fences offer the most choices. They're available in a wide variety of:

• gauges - 16, 14 and 12½
• mesh sizes - ½" x ½", ½" x 1", 1" x 1", 1" x 2", 2" x 2" and 2" x 4"
• finishes - galvanized before weld (GBW), galvanized after weld (GAW) and vinyl coated (VC)

In addition to the standard specifications listed above, there are other styles of fences that are designed for use in and around the garden. Some of these have smaller mesh openings at the bottom of the fence to keep out small animals.

Black Vinyl-Coated Hexagonal Netting - Effective, Long-Lasting

Lighter in weight than welded wire products.

• gauges - 20 and 18 gauges
• mesh sizes - 1" and 2"
• finishes - GBW, GAW, and VC

• gauges - 14.5 and 12½
• mesh sizes - 1" x 6" through 7" x 12"
• finishes - galvanized, zinc/aluminum, and black-painted

Apron Fence - A Very Strategic Barrier

These fences have a 12" apron at the bottom of the roll. Lay this on top of the ground to form a barrier. Animals cannot dig under the fence and enter your garden.

• gauge - 17
• mesh size - 1½"
• finishes - GBW and VC

These fences are labor savers. There is no need to dig a trench and bury the wire. Vegetation grows up through the apron, securely attaching it to the ground. The animals trying to dig into your garden will not realize that they must start their digging 12" away from the fence.

Hardware cloth - Strong and Durable

• Vinyl-coated 19 gauge wire welded into ½" x ½" mesh will discourage the smallest animals
• The vinyl coating extends the lifetime of the fence
• Rolls are 100' in length
• Three heights are available: 24", 36" and 48"

What kinds of fences have you used to protect your garden?  Are you considering all the different types of fences that are available before making your choice?  Do you prefer one type over another?

It's Best Not to Underestimate a Desperate Dog

Dog scales a 7 foot welded wire panel fence. The first of 3 videos.

Clever dog climbs a tall welded wire fence.

"Houdini" dog and an amazing escape.

Have you ever had a dog that could climb a fence and escape your yard? What do you think is the best way to solve this problem?

Have you ever needed a truly heavy gauge chicken wire?

Do you want something stronger than 20 gauge galvanized before weave chicken wire fencing?

Are you frustrated by how quickly GBW hex mesh rusts and needs to be replaced? There's an alternative:

Galvanized After Weave Chicken Wire Fence: 18 gauge, 1" Hexagonal Mesh 

Made by Keystone Steel and Wire in Peoria, Illinois, this "saltwater netting" is woven from heavy 18 gauge wire. 18 gauge wire is more than 30% heavier than the 20 gauge chicken wire available in your local retail store. After the wire is woven into a hexagonal mesh with 1" openings, it is passed through a bath of molten zinc. It emerges with thick, durable rust and corrosion-resistant galvanized after weave (GAW) finish. The wires are thoroughly coated, including the twisted areas that tend to hold moisture.

Heavy chicken wire fence is available in 150' rolls. Widths are 36", 48" and 72". This mesh, designed for use in saltwater, will last for many, many years.

Excellent for:

• Poultry runs
• Garden fence
• Game bird pens
• Saltwater applications, such as crab pots
  

18 gauge heavy hex wire is a great option and if you want a chicken wire fence that will withstand the test of time, consider this product.

With Extensive Benefits:

• Initial higher cost is offset by the longer lifetime of the wire.
  
• Stronger, heavier wire will stand up longer to normal wear and tear.
• Frequency of repair and replacement is reduced.
• Heavy galvanization assures robust protection against rust and corrosion.

Have you ever had the opportunity to try GAW chicken wire fence?

Do you think it makes sense to pay more initially to avoid the cost and labor of repair and replacement?

Same Song, Four Versions

Have a listen to a few golden oldies. Well, two more golden than the others. Here are four renditions of the song "Don't Fence Me In." The first, written by Cole Porter and Robert Fletcher in 1934 and sung by Gene Autry, the second is sung by Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters, the third is performed by David Byrne and the Talking Heads, and the last is performed by Willie Nelson and Leon Russell.

And now, a bit of an update--

Any preferences of one version over the others? Are there other interpretations that you like better?