The Fence Post

They're so Quiet, Beautiful, and Unmanaged

As deer become overabundant in some areas of the country, there are some unfortunate results:                 

• The diversity of the forest understory is reduced
• Native species of flora must increasingly compete with non-natives
• New growth and seedlings are damaged or eaten
• Smaller trees are damaged by deer rubbing against them
• With less diversity comes fewer songbirds as intermediate forest vegetation is lost

The presence of deer is becoming obvious. The intensity of the assault on your trees and shrubs seems to increase every year. In their search for fodder, your plantings become a readily available supply of food, replacing what is available during the warmer growing months.

Pruning That You Don't Want

Are you frustrated as you watch the deer eat and destroy the greenery on your property?

And are you discouraged by the sight of the trees you planted being nibbled and stripped?

Addressing the problem is next, but how to proceed? Some answers:

Your Plants and Trees Protected

Deer fencing can protect your trees and shrubs. You can use it to surround individual plantings. Deer fence can also be used as a protective perimeter fence around your entire property. In both cases, you prevent deer from having access to what you want to protect.

Three types of deer fence available:

1. Galvanized high-tensile woven wire fence, also known as deer and wildlife fence, is heavy, very strong, and highly effective. 330' rolls are available in different heights from 48" through 120", these fences offer the best protection. Some sizes are available with wire that is painted black. The black color enables the wire to blend with the background making the fence virtually invisible. The horizontal and vertical wires are securely locked together by a third wire in a "fixed knot" construction.
                                                                                                                                                                   
2. Black vinyl-coated woven wire deer fence is made from 20 gauge, 1" hexagonal mesh. Basically chicken or poultry wire that has been coated with a thick layer of black PVC, this lighter weight fence can be used as an effective barrier. Lighter and easier to work with than the deer and wildlife fence, the underlying wire is protected from rust and corrosion. Rolls are 150' long and up to 84" tall. 90" height is available in 100' rolls.
                                           
3. Black polypropylene deer fence with a 2" x 1.75" extruded mesh is the easiest to work with and install. Particularly effective in protecting individual trees and shrubs, this versatile fence can also be used to secure larger areas. 7.5' x 164' rolls are lightweight. The black color makes this fence unobtrusive.

Which fencing solution would you choose or have you chosen?

Would you consider a fence, or do you have a different solution to the problem?

Yeah, Autumn's great (but you-know-what is coming)

Beat the frost? Who wants to think of winter?

Need to finish up certain projects before the cold weather and snow mess up your plans and frost makes digging holes for fencing a lot more difficult? The cool and pleasant fall days ahead make the work easier and more pleasant to face when you would rather be doing other things. But you need to finish certain tasks before the colder weather arrives. Here are some questions to think over:

Has the yard fence been completed?

Is the dog enclosure secure?

How safe is the play area for the children?

Do you need to protect your trees, shrubs, and other plantings from hungry deer?

Has the pool fence had a safety inspection? Is the gate self-closing? Can the fence be climbed?

Is a snow fence required to protect your property from wind-drifted snow?

Many possibilities and choices are readily available for any of these types of projects and any others you may have in mind.

Consider using vinyl coated wire for longer life and a more attractive appearance. Black vinyl-coated wire blends into the background. It tends to "disappear" and not be as noticeable as other types of fencing.

Make your work plans and purchase your posts and fence. Louis Page has experts ready to advise you, just give us a call. Beat the frost and colder weather. (866) 328 5018

Possibilities to Explore

If you have decided you want to use a vinyl coated welded wire mesh for your fence project because of its long lifetime and more attractive appearance, there are several options available to you.

Hoping for a Lightweight Fence?

Consider using 3" x 2" mesh, welded from 16 gauge wire. There are three different heights: 24", 36" and 48". Rolls are 50 feet long. 24" is available in green, 36" and 48" are available in both black and green.

Some of the uses for this light weight fencing: tack it to a wood post and rail fence; keep small dogs in your yard; keep larger animals out of your garden; protect trees and shrubs.

Heavier Weight, Smaller Mesh Fencing

You have more choices: 1" x 1" mesh in 16 and 14 gauges; 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" mesh in 12-1/2 gauge; 2" x 2" and 1-1/2" x 4" in 14 gauge; 2" x 4" in 14, 12-1/2 and 11 gauges. All, except the 2" x 4" 12-1/2 gauge which is available in black only, are available in black and green. 14 gauge 2" x 4" rolls are 50" and 100' lengths.

• Black has become the most popular color to use because it seems to disappear or blend in with the background very well.

These fence meshes can be used for pet containment, children's play areas, yard fence and the 1" x 1" and 1-1/2" x 4" meshes meet swimming pool fence code requirements.

 

Which One Shall I Choose?

There are many different wire fence products available from which to choose. And it can be difficult to know which one to buy. One of the decisions you will need to make is whether you want a galvanized fence or a mesh that is vinyl coated.

Some differences between galvanized and vinyl coated wire mesh and fence?

Galvanized fences and meshes are either welded or woven. There are Galvanized Before Weld or Weave (GBW) and Galvanized After Weld or Weave (GAW) meshes. The difference between these two types is explained in our blog "Galvanized Before vs Galvanized After Mesh & Fence". The most common and most readily available fence meshes are GBW. These are the commodity meshes sold by all the big box stores. GAW products are:

• harder to find
• they are higher quality
• more expensive 
• they will last years longer

Both share the same characteristic of having a galvanized finish. But GAW meshes are far superior.

Vinyl Coated (VC) fences are also available in either welded or woven meshes. They are different from galvanized products because they have a double layer of protection from rust and corrosion - vinyl coating over previously galvanized wire. This gives these meshes an even longer life. The highest quality and longest lasting products with the best rust protection are those that feature vinyl coating on top of GAW wire. These are the meshes used in such things as lobster pots and crawfish traps.

Why are vinyl coated meshes more expensive?

The cost of the vinyl applied to the wire adds to the cost of the final product. Additional handling and processing during the manufacturing process also add to the cost.

And vinyl coated fence, is it really worth the extra expense?                                                              Meshes and fences that have been vinyl coated have the longest lifetime due to the extra protection they have against rust and corrosion.

What about how it looks?

They are also more aesthetically pleasing. The black and green color stand out less than the brighter galvanized finish. In fact, black mesh tends to disappear into the background, becoming virtually invisible. You can see whatever is on the other side of the fence more clearly.

It is also important to remember that although the initial cost of a vinyl coated fence is higher, it may ultimately be less expensive. Don't forget the cost and aggravation of needing to replace a product with a shorter lifetime.

The choice between galvanized and vinyl coated fence

Think about how long you want the fence to last. How frequently will you want to replace it? If you want a fence that will last a long time and maintain its nice appearance, go with the vinyl coated mesh. If you only need the fence to last a few years, use a GBW mesh.

Again, consider aesthetics--

Think about how you want the fence to look. If the fence will be in a prominent place and you want it to look attractive, use a vinyl coated mesh. If the fence will be less visible and you don't mind a utilitarian appearance, use a GBW mesh. You can also use a GAW mesh if you want the fence to last longer.

And if you need further clarification, please don't hesitate to call us and ask questions--(866) 328-5018