The Fence Post

Securing Your Crops

Each year millions of dollars worth of crops are lost to birds. Fruits and vegetables are both at risk. Your blueberry and raspberry bushes are particularly attractive sites for birds to feed. There are two types of polypropylene netting you can use to secure your garden.

1. Extruded Bird Barrier Netting

Black polypropylene is extruded into strong square meshes with small openings. These products are specifically designed to protect your vegetables, flowers, plants, fruits, trees, gardens, ponds and other areas from invasion by nuisance birds. The netting can also be used for other purposes such as effective erosion control on newly seeded slopes and keeping leaf piles in place on windy days.

Ornex, made by Tenax, is available in two mesh sizes: 3/4" x 3/4" and 3/8" x 3/8". This bird barrier netting is light in weight and easy to handle and install. It's inexpensive, rot and rust proof, and resistant to both UV rays and chemical agents. Large size rolls are available for bigger gardens and operations. The larger rolls eliminate the frustration of having to join several pieces together.

Ornex - 3/4" x 3/4" mesh - black

• Roll sizes available - 14' x 100', 14' x 500', 14' x 1,000', 14' x 5,000' and 15-1/2' x 700'

Ornex - 3/8"x3/8" mesh - black

• Roll size available: 13' x 820'

S-31 - a stronger, longer lasting mesh with the same features as Ornex. Designed for the commercial grower. Available in 5/8"x3/4" mesh.

• Roll sizes available: 14' x 5,000' and 17' x 5,000'

2. Woven Netting for Crop Protection

Multiple strands of UV stabilized black polypropylene yarns are woven into a flexible and long-lasting hexagonal shaped mesh. This soft, knitted small mesh netting is ideal for protecting berries and fruits. It creates a physical barrier between the birds and your valuable crops. Larger size rolls will make the installation job easier for you. You won't have to piece several smaller pieces together.

• 1/2" mesh - 25' x 100' rolls
• 3/4" mesh - 25' x 100', 50' x 150' and 50' x 200' rolls
• 1" mesh - 12' x 100', 25' x 100' and 50' x 150' rolls

Both the extruded and woven meshes will give your gardens and crops excellent protection from marauding birds. Why share when your share can be all?

What is Yard Gard? 

Yard Gard is a general term used for a type of fence that encloses a yard. But not all Yard Gard products are created equal. We recommend black vinyl coated welded wire fencing, also known as Yard Gard. The vinyl coating helps the fence stand up to the elements so it doesn't rust as quickly which also ensures the fence will stay looking better longer. Aesthetically, the black color helps the fence blend into the surrounding environment. Black coating "hides" a fence better than green vinyl coating in most environments. The welds of the fence make the fence strong, so it doesn't bend. If you choose smaller openings, the fence will be more difficult to climb for critters. Also, there are no sharp edges to injure people or animals.

Excellent Security

Vinyl coated welded wire yard and garden fencing are simply superior: 

1. Vinyl protects against the elements.
2. Black vinyl helps the fence blend into the environment.
3. Welds help create a very strong fence.
4. Smaller openings prevent fence climbing.
5. No sharp edges keep people and animals protected.

So Many Reasons

In other words, high-quality vinyl coated wire meshes are strong and durable - perfect for lawn and garden fencing, pet enclosures, boundary fence, children's play areas and many other uses. The heavy, resilient, flexible black PVC coating is permanently bonded to the galvanized core wire. It will not crack or peel and is unaffected by extreme temperatures. UV inhibitors retard degradation from sunlight. With the double protection of galvanized core wires and vinyl coating, these lawn and garden fence meshes will withstand the elements for many years. Be forewarned: big box stores will supply the cheapest quality fencing with vinyl coating that can be substandard. 

Three mesh sizes are available: 2" x 2", 1-1/2" x 4" and 2" x 4". The narrow mesh openings discourage fence climbing. We also offer different gauges: 11, 12 1/2, 14 and 16. Check out our Lawn & Garden fences.

Location is Key

Consider the location in which it will be placed, asking yourself these key questions--

• Is it near the coast?
• Is it exposed to extreme changes in temperature?
• Will it be located in a wet or humid environment?
• Will it be in close proximity to corrosive chemicals?

Identifying these factors will help you determine the best type of fence product and coating for your needs.

Galvanized Before Weld - GBW - Inexpensive with a Shorter Life

Let’s start with the basic low-cost GBW welded wire fence. This product is available in a wide variety of styles and sizes for lots of different applications. This is what most “Big Box” stores sell. 

• The good news? It is inexpensive. The "bad" news? It has a shorter life because it is more susceptible to rust and corrosion. And the reason? The wire is welded before it is galvanized. The welding process can “burn-off” the zinc on the weld points. This makes the wire more vulnerable to rust and corrosion.

The initial strength and gauge of the Galvanized Before Weld wire is the same as Galvanized After Weld and Vinyl Coated. But the finish is not nearly as durable, resulting in a shorter usable lifespan. Yet it may be appropriate in some applications.

If price rather than quality is the most important factor, then GBW might be a good choice for you.

Galvanized After Weld - GAW - Fights corrosion, providing years of service

GAW welded wire is dipped in molten zinc after being welded or woven. The wire is fully encased in zinc for greater protection and longer life. This is especially important if the fence is to be installed in coastal areas, and if rust and corrosion are primary concerns. 

• The good news? Extended lifetime. The bad news? It is slightly more expensive than generic GBW meshes. The reason? After the wire mesh is welded or woven, the finished product is drawn through a bath of molten zinc. The wires are thoroughly galvanized. And most importantly the welded joints are completely covered and protected from the elements. Moisture, which tends to collect in these areas, is prevented from contacting the underlying wire.

If quality and long life are the most important factors in how you will make your decision, Galvanized After Weld is a great choice. The thick galvanization present on the wires adds years of life to the fence. GAW fencing materials will long outlast commonly available GBW products. You have to look harder to find GAW wire fencing materials, but we sell it and your search will be rewarded with years of service. Avoid the needless expense and hassle of frequent replacement. Buy a product that will last!

Vinyl Coated - VC - Very Long Life with an Impervious Barrier

VC welded wire has been coated with a layer of PVC after the mesh is welded up. The vinyl covers the mesh and provides strong protection against the element. 

• The good news? Extended lifetime and attractive appearance. The "bad" news? It can be more expensive than GBW and GAW products. The reason? The addition of the PVC coating adds an impervious barrier, protecting the wire from Mother Nature's harshest elements. Protected wire will not rust as quickly.

If you want a product that is not only attractive but is also able to withstand environmental stresses, VC welded wire mesh is the perfect one to use. Black mesh becomes virtually invisible. We sell green and black vinyl coated products.

Note: It is very important to know what to look for when considering VC wire fencing materials. The best possible protection and longest life expectancy are offered by a product that is vinyl coated over GAW wire mesh. You will have rugged double protection. You will not be disappointed.

Stainless Steel - SS - Savings in the Long Run

SS welded wire fences provide the greatest level of protection and long life in any environment. The product is more expensive up front but can save lots of money and time in the long run because the fence will not need to be repaired or replaced. Stainless Steel wire needs no additional coating because it will last for years and years. 

• The good news? A very long lifetime with little maintenance required. The "bad" news? It is more expensive. The reason? Stainless Steel is a more expensive material. But in certain applications, it will ultimately prove less expensive.

And Stainless Steel wire needs no additional coating because it will last for years and years in practically any environment.

That is our high-level overview of fences. This is a great place to start if you are new to fence products and/or you are planning for a certain project. Call and chat with us--(866) 328-5018--and we'll answer any questions that you may have and we provide free quotes.