The Fence Post

Wait a sec, they weren't invited to the party.

There is no question that deer are becoming an increasing threat to the garden, trees, and shrubbery on your property. The need for food and a steady decrease in habitat force deer into residential and commercial areas. What types of deer fence can be used for deer exclusion?

Your choice will be determined by various factors:

• local codes and ordinances - be sure to check for height and material restrictions
• aesthetic considerations - determine what fits best with your property, height, visibility, design, and appearance
• expense considerations - the cost of the fence vs value of your plantings
• effectiveness of the fence - strength, longevity, need for repair
• extent of protection - entire property or individual plantings

Varieties of deer fencing available:

• wood & vinyl - solid, slatted (use close spacing)
• metal - welded, woven, galvanized, vinyl coated, single strand electric, wire mesh
• plastic - extruded mesh

Whichever deer fence you choose, make sure that your fence is well braced to resist pushing. Even though deer can jump over eight feet, your fence will not have to be that high. You should place the deer fence at least 12" from the plants you want to protect.

Good luck on your project!

 

The Barrier Method

One way to fence in your garden to prevent deer from eating your plants - the horizontal barrier is the key here. 

 

 

Which Fence for Which Animal Out?

• The National Gardening Association Editors report that, on a long term basis, fencing is the best way to keep domestic and wild animals out of your garden. They offer the following suggestions and tips:
• Fences are most effective when the animal can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of the delectable offerings of your garden. 
• Polypropylene fences are less visible than solid fences, but they will not give protection from all animals.
• Electric fences will not block your view of the garden. They can be more effective than solid fences, especially if the would-be poachers know the wires are hot. Animals are not likely to test the fence more than once.

Build the fence that pertains to the animals you want to keep out of your garden:                             

        Deer

A tall fence is necessary. A mesh, solid or an electric fence can be effective. There are many design options available. Be sure to anchor the fence to the ground. Deer will also go under a fence if given the option.                                                                                                                                    
Cats and dogs

Build a 3-foot high wire fence - buy a 5-foot roll and bend 24" at the bottom of the fence to the outside of the garden to form an apron. This will discourage digging.

Rabbits  

A 2-foot high chicken wire fence with 1" hexagonal mesh openings is recommended. Buy a 3-foot high roll and bend a 12" apron of the fence mesh to the outside of the garden. Bury it several inches deep to prevent digging.

Woodchucks                                                                                       

A 4-foot high fence with a 24" buried apron works well. They suggest leaving the top 18" of the fence unattached to posts. This will challenge the animals' climbing ability. You can also string an electrified wire along the top. Placing electric fencing a few inches outside the other fence is even more effective. To protect prized plants from these tunneling pests, bury a protective wire mesh basket two to three feet underground. 

Raccoons & Opossums 

You need fencing that provides an underground barrier and is difficult to climb. Use a 60" to 72" fence. Bury a 24" horizontal apron several inches underground on the outside of your garden. Leave the top 18" of the 36" or 48" high fence unattached. This will bend over as the animal climbs, preventing it from getting over the top. If you have difficulty finding 60" or 72" high fence, the apron and vertical parts can be two different rolls. Be sure to fasten the two edges together with hog rings or tie wire. For further security, electric fence wire can be run along the top. Spreading light weight netting on the ground around your garden may discourage these animals from approaching the fence.                                                                                                       
Coyotes 

An electric fence in combination with a strong 48" fence mesh, such as sheep and goat fence, works well. Place one electrified wire 8" off the ground, 6" to 18"away from the mesh fence. An additional wire strung along the top of the fence will discourage jumping.                                         

Bears 

They can be discouraged from entering an area by using electric fence. Bait, such as bacon strips or pork rind, should be attached to the wires. Bears will approach the bait, touch it with a wet nose or tongue and learn the characteristics of the fence. They will want to avoid it in the future. If the fence is not baited, a bear is likely to crash through the fence, paying no more attention to the shock than it would a bee sting. A 36" to 48" roll of chicken wire secured to the ground with ground staples can also be used as an effective barrier. Be sure to keep the area mowed.

Do the solutions the editors suggest sound good to you?

Do you have other suggestions to share based on your own experience?

Fences are most effective when animals can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of the delectable offerings from your garden. 
Polypropylene fences are less visible than solid fences. But they will not give protection from all animals.

• Electric fences will not block your view of the garden. They can be more effective than solid fences, especially if the would-be poachers know the wires are hot. Animals are unlikely to test the fence more than once.                 

• Be certain to check your local ordinances before installing a fence.

Aiding Migration 

See what the state of Montana is doing with wildlife fence in the Monument Valley area to help elk, deer and antelope in their migrations.

 

 

 

At our house, they munch on hostas

 

Deer have become a major nuisance. Each year their range gets more constricted by housing and commercial development. The inevitable consequence is that deer have been forced to plunder people's private gardens and plantings as well as orchards and large farms. The damage and loss can easily run into thousands of dollars. What is the fence solution to this growing problem? There are deer fence wire and plastic mesh products available to address this situation.

Galvanized High-Tensile Woven Wire Deer Fence

These strong wire mesh fences are woven from 12-1/2 gauge, class 3 heavily galvanized Hi-tensile wire. The horizontal and vertical wires are tightly bound together with fixed knot construction. Wires are held firmly yet the fence still has some flexibility to handle rolling terrain and:

• Vertical one piece wires cannot come unwound.
• Specifications are available from 48" through 120" heights.
• Some rolls are class 3 with wire that is painted black. Black wire blends nicely, becoming virtually invisible.

All these deer fence wire meshes feature graduated openings or spacings between horizontal wires. The bottom space is smaller and the spacing gets wider as you approach the top. Rolls are usually 330' long. Hi-tensile woven deer fence products are heavy duty and provide a lot of protection. Although mainly used in agricultural settings, they will keep deer out of any location. Rolls are available in heights of 48", 60", 61", 75", 90", 96" and 120".

Vinyl Coated Deer Fence that Blends

Woven from 20 gauge wire, this 1" hexagonal netting has a thick and rugged coating of PVC tightly bonded to the wire. Lighter in weight than the Hi-tensile rolls, this deer fence mesh is easier to handle and install. It is ideal for protecting individual shrubs and trees, gardens and entire yards. The black color blends into the background. Rolls are 90" x 100' and weigh 72 pounds.

Black Polypropylene Deer Fence - Easy Handling

Heavy Duty Perimeter Fence made by Tenax is the lightest weight of all available varieties. This deer fence plastic mesh was specifically designed as a fence system for deer exclusion and protection in densely populated suburban areas.

• This deer fence features a 2" x 1-3/4" extruded mesh.
• The UV stabilized black netting is almost invisible. Your fence will not block your view.
• As with the hex mesh, this poly net can be used to protect individual trees, shrubs, gardens, and entire properties.
• Lightweight and easy to handle, the rolls measure 90" x 164' and weigh 35 pounds.