Thankfully, there are a variety of choices for deer fencing that can be utilized without the need for planting deer-resistant species or spraying harsh chemicals to remove ticks. By fencing deer out, you can keep your plants safe, avoid chemicals, and even keep pets in your yard with the right options. Below, learn all about different types of common deer fencing and repellants to keep these pests away from your outdoor space.
Considerations for Deer Fencing
Before choosing a deer fence, consider the following features:
Fence Height: Deer are great jumpers, capable of leaping 8 feet into the air. While some shorter fences can be effective, if deer are especially interested in your yard, a barrier-style deer fence at least this tall may be best. Many other kinds of fencing cannot reliably keep deer from crossing your property borders. Slack: Even as large animals, deer can try to push under fencing. Ensure there is no gap between your fencing and the ground. When using any type of loose fencing (for example, metal wire or polypropylene mesh), leave some slack. Let the extra fencing spill over the ground and pin it down with stakes. Repairs: Any damage incurred by barrier-style fencing will have to be repaired promptly: A compromised barrier is not effective. Deer are smart enough to find a breach in the fence and enter through it quickly. Pest Prevention: Depending on the type of fence you build, you can prevent other pests like rodents and small mammals. However, you must select barrier-style fencing that only has small openings. This can cost more, so decide whether the benefit is worth the extra cost. Durability: To increase durability, any metal deer fence you use should be galvanized, and any polypropylene fence should be UV-protected. Gates: Remember to include a gate or other means of accessing the area being fenced (and deer-proof the gate with proper latches).
This type of deer fencing for years has been a go-to for gardeners and farmers for years. It still has its champions, and it’s quite durable when the posts are properly sunken into the ground. If you’re willing to pay for a high-end product, metal wire deer fences that have been coated in black polyethylene are the best of the bunch, as they’re more weather-resistant and less visible than standard silver wire options. Keep in mind that deer are powerful animals that can rupture plastic fencing that isn’t strong enough. If you do choose polypropylene mesh, select a grade that has a breaking load of at least 800 pounds. The breaking load figure signifies how strong the product is. Electric fencing is cheap and much less visually obtrusive than mesh or permanent fences, but it’s not as effective. It’s sometimes baited with food to expose the animal to the shock, which discourages it from approaching the area in the future. A variation is a product known as “The Wireless Deer Fence.” In this case, baited posts (with no actual fence) are placed on deer paths leading into your property or around plants prone to be eaten by deer. Chain-link fencing is very durable, and while it’s more expensive than wire or polypropylene mesh options, it’s still more affordable than wood privacy fences. However, deer can still see through it, so they may be tempted to jump the fence to reach your garden if they notice appetizing plants. By choosing a wood privacy fence, it’s easy to get by without the full 8-foot fencing height. The reason is that deer can’t see if a potential predator is on the other side, so they err on the side of caution and move on (instead of jumping your fence). However, wood privacy fences are often expensive. Rather than fences, some homeowners also prefer to use deer repellents. These range from DIY options (like spraying plants with crushed hot peppers or unpleasant smells) to commercial repellents. Depending on the product, deer are driven away because they dislike the smell or taste of the substance. However, whereas fencing represents a long-term solution to the problem, repellents offer only a temporary solution, as they must be reapplied after rain and plant waterings.
