The Fence Post

Helping the Turtles Migrate                                                           Arkansas DOT photo                                                    

Have you ever seen a turtle fence? They are being used more frequently to cut down on roadkill in areas where highways cross the natural migration routes of turtles.

What is it?

• A turtle fence is a physical barrier that prevents turtles from entering any area
• Fences can guide turtles to an underpass or other safe way of crossing the roadway

It's important because...?

• To reduce a source of distraction and a cause of accidents on high speed highways
• To save lives
• To protect and preserve endangered species

The Details

• Welded or woven wire fence with a ½" x 1" to 2" x 2" mesh is ideal
• 16 to 12.5 gauge wires are sufficient
• Galvanized before, galvanized after or vinyl coated mesh, depending on the desired lifetime of the fence
• 24" to 36" height depending on species

A turtle fence can be a costly project and is often a cause of debate. Maintenance, especially in areas of heavy snow, can be quite costly if the fence is damaged by snowplows. Do you think the expense is justified?

Excellent Advice

This instructional video from Bekaert points out important aspects of installing different types of high tensile agricultural fences - smooth wire, barbed wire, hinge joint field fence, fixed knot fence, and horse fence. Safety considerations, the importance of planning for your fence, and fence post selection are covered. Clear instructions on how to install a brace are also presented.

An Investment in Safety--with Invaluable Returns

Wire mesh can be used as an effective railing safety barrier on stairs, decks, and walkways. Attached to a framework, the small openings of the mesh can prevent children from falling and restrain objects from falling on people below.

• Both woven and welded wire mesh can be used

There are mesh and wire gauges available to meet a wide variety of safety requirements. And there are many different ways to put together an effective barrier.

Some examples:

• Strong 12.5 gauge woven wire field fence used as safety mesh along a river walk. The fence is turned upside down and the top edge is bent over for added strength. The fence is stapled to wood posts. 

  • Welded wire 2" x 4" fencing used as safety mesh along a pathway to keep people from falling down the river bank--a simple solution. The top 4" of the fence is doubled over. This strengthens the mesh and allows the top of the fencing to be stapled to the top of the post for extra strength.  

• This picture shows 14 gauge 1" x 2" mesh secured to wood posts.

• Here we have 1" x 1" mesh that's mounted in a metal frame. The frame is then attached to a finished railing assembly.

The Birmingham Zoo used vinyl coated welded wire mesh as safety panels along walkways and in deck railings. There are many other ways of using wire meshes to provide a safety mesh where required. The application and installation can be both simple and complex depending on what is required.

Security for Your Horse

A Choice of Two Styles of Fence

     • Will you be boarding the horse at a different location or keeping it on your own property?

     • Are you getting a horse for yourself or for your children?

There are two types of woven wire mesh fences ideal for horse paddocks: 

A 2" x 4" Woven Horse Fence

        Featuring:

• Galvanized class 1 or class 3 finish for protection from rust and corrosion
• Black painted wire with heavy duty class 3 coating - blends into background
• Long lifetime
• Heavy 10 gauge top and bottom wires
• 12.5 gauge filler wires
• Strong square knots safely secure vertical and horizontal wires
• 2" x 4" openings prevent hoof entanglement
• Flexible - allows "racking" over uneven ground contours
• No uneven or sharp wires to injure animals
• 48" and 60" heights in 100' rolls

The Strong Keepsafe Diamond Mesh Woven Horse Fence 

        Featuring:

• Galvanized - class 1 and class 3 
• Close spacing of wires prevents hooves from becoming entangled
• Fence has spring and flexibility
• Horizontal wires - heavy double strands of 12.5 gauge wires are twisted for strength
• Vertical wires - 14 gauge wires create the V mesh
• Requires little maintenance when installed
• Rugged long lasting fence
• No sharp edges to harm horses or people
• 50" x 165' and 58" x 165' rolls available