The Fence Post

Straight Lines and Proper Tensioning

What is the process for installing a deer fence? This video from Tornado Wire in the UK will show you how, including: pounding the posts, tensioning and tying off the line wire, installing a brace post, placing and driving intermediate posts, tying off fence material, final tensioning, and stapling. Look and learn how it's done in the UK. 

Tornado has introduced high tensile wire to the UK. Their complete line of agricultural fence products is produced in their own manufacturing facility in the town of Alcester, county of Warwickshire, England.

Integrated Pest Management Strategy

Deer prefer to eat plants with soft leaves and fruit. It is not unusual for a deer to go through 5 to 10 pounds of plant matter a day. Some of their food sources include fruit trees, rhododendrons, maples, and oak. Once deer establish a pattern of behavior it is very hard to break. However, this scenario might have been avoided using an Integrated Pest Management strategy. For instance, some of the methods for reducing deer damage are population control which involves hunting, trapping, and introducing contraception to reduce the herd. Hunting is less expensive. But most areas have communities that are more tolerant of deer and the damage they cause and are against hunting them.

Reducing Damage

Education is vital for preventing and managing deer problems. Understanding the biology and ecology of the species of deer in your area is important in finding alternatives that could reduce the damage caused by deer. You should be aware of the areas they gather in and the times as well as the size of the herd. Learn the identity of the plants and vegetation that they prefer. This information can prove helpful in selecting a method for controlling damage. Before selecting your method, try to have a goal in mind of what you want to accomplish.

Height vs. Electricity

Repellents can be used on plants to discourage deer from eating them. They work by affecting the smell or taste and making it difficult for deer to eat. Sometimes, deer will still eat the plants if they are hungry enough.

Scare devices or noise-making devices that are produced using gas exploders, dogs, blank gunfire, and fireworks.

Fences are the most popular control method. Fences are usually limited to small areas such as orchards, gardens, high-value crops, or areas where deer are particularly abundant.  There are two general categories: passive and active exclusion.

• Passive exclusion fences are woven wire fences that are too tall for deer to jump. They are at least eight feet high since deer can normally jump anything less than eight feet. A well-designed and effective fence will consist of 12-foot posts placed at 40-foot intervals and set to a depth of 4-feet, with woven wire attached to the posts. The bottom of the fence should be at ground level.
• Two 4-foot widths of wire fencing joined one on top of the other and attached to the posts can be used to keep deer out. You can also use an 8-foot tall deer fence. If a taller fence is desire, a strand of high tensile electrical wire can be strung above the woven wire.
• A fence that slants away from the area to be protected is a very effective design as well. These particular structures are often permanent and can protect an area year-round and should last at least twenty years. This method is recommended for areas that have recurring problems with deer damaging crops.

• Active exclusion fences use electricity to keep deer out of an area. The smell or appearance of the fence attracts the deer but when they touch the fence with their noses, they receive an electrical shock. This conditions the deer to avoid the fenced area. These fences are less expensive to construct than exclusion fences but are sometimes less effective because hungry deer can learn to jump over them. These fences also require more maintenance.

When you have the right fencing system in place to protect your orchards or plants, you can be sure the “buck” stops here!

Sculptures Made with Chicken Wire?

There are many different uses for chicken wire. It is much more versatile than you might expect. Here, a unique practice is crafting the hexagonal netting into sculptured works of art. Ivan Lovatt, a sculptor from Australia, has created a stunning collection of artwork. Using galvanized chicken wire, he has made representations of both people and wildlife. A bust of John Lennon? Bring it on. This type of chicken wire is moldable with a neutral yet characteristic sheen. The small, light gauge mesh allows him to bend, fold, crease, and cut the mesh into its final shape. The result is an amazingly life-like rendition. Take a look at this video and see what you think:

A Wide Variety of Applications

The most common specifications of chicken wire available are made using 20 gauge wire woven into 1" or 2" hexagonal mesh. Other types available are ½" x 22 gauge, 1" x 18 gauge, and 1½ x 17 gauge.

Finishes available are: galvanized before weave (GBW), galvanized after weave (GAW), PVC vinyl coated (VC), and stainless steel. Not all specifications are available in all finishes.

This fencing material is ideal for use around the home, farm, and in industrial applications - any place where a lighter weight mesh can be used. Here are some conventional uses:

• deer fence
• craft projects
• stucco netting
• window guards
• game bird flight pens
• garden perimeter fence
• tree and shrub protection
• holding insulation in place
  
• exclusion barriers for birds
• chicken runs and poultry houses
• trellis for climbing plants & flowers
• backing mesh for post and rail fence
• framework for sculpture and float decorations

Yep, not just for chickens!

How many different ways can you think of using chicken wire? Have you tried using it that way?

 P.S. See the finished bust of John Lennon here.

Repair? Replace?

Sadly, during a major storm, your fence can be easily damaged. Strong winds can blow down large branches. Entire trees can be uprooted, landing on your fence. Often the damage can only be repaired by replacing what was there with new fencing materials. Hopefully, these storms will pass you and your family by and cause no damage to your home and property. If your home is spared but your property and yard were not so fortunate, you will have to take down the damaged fence and replace it.

Rethinking Your Fence

If wood post and rail with attached wire were damaged, you can replace the wire with perhaps a vinyl-coated wire for long life. You will find that 2" x 3" or 2" x 4" and smaller meshes are available that will keep your pets and children securely in the yard. Many people prefer black vinyl-coated wire as it blends in very well with the background. It does not stand out as galvanized wire tends to do.

Did your pool wire get damaged? Your pet fencing? Your garden fence? Fencing materials protecting your flowers and shrubs, especially from deer? There are many different types of welded and woven wire meshes available in both galvanized and vinyl-coated finishes. And there is a wide variety of plastic meshes from which to choose.

Big-box stores--offering a limited selection and spotty service

If you decide to do these repairs yourself, remember that there are many types of fencing materials available that you will never find in your local big-box store. Beware of the limited selection: it really does pay off to broaden your search. Why not go for something different, with better construction, and readily available?

Are you having difficulty finding the type of fence you want?

Are you frustrated by the absence of knowledge about fencing materials encountered in most retail stores? This is when you turn to Louis Page, who knows fencing. As you consider your replacement, here's a helpful blog to get you started.

 First, begin with this helpful overview of protecting raised beds. 

• Does the damage caused by gophers cost you money?

• Are you tired of gophers destroying your lawn, garden, fields, and flower beds?

• Have you been looking for a gopher deterrent to solve the problem?
  
  

Zinc-Coated Hardware Cloth

One type of mesh ideal for this purpose is 19 gauge hardware cloth with ½" x ½" square mesh. This galvanized after weld mesh lasts a long time underground.  The zinc coating resists rust and corrosion. It is available in 24", 36", 48", 60" and 72" widths. Roll lengths are 50' and 100' except for the 60" and 72" sizes which are only available in 100' rolls. The wider widths work well when you need to cover a large area like a lawn.

An Impenetrable Barrier 

An effective way to eliminate damage and destruction of your lawn, garden, and planted areas is to lay down wire mesh under the soil. This will form an impenetrable barrier, preventing gophers from digging their way to the surface, forcing them to stay underground outside of protected areas.

Gophers, Moles, and Voles

Here's one man's answer and an excellent use of hardware cloth: 

More Protection

If you want a product that will last even longer, use wire that is black vinyl-coated. The same mesh is available in all widths in 100' rolls. Vinyl coating over the galvanized mesh gives significant additional protection against rust and corrosion.

Have you tried other methods of gopher exclusion? Do they work?

What other types of gopher deterrents do you find effective?