When researching the best garden fences, we evaluated products based on their material, height, mesh size, and ease of installation. The AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME Metal Garden Fence Border is our best overall pick thanks to its elegant and versatile design and durable construction. Here are the best garden fences for a variety of needs. Assembly is fairly simple, as the panels hook together easily. This set includes eight stakes that you can drive into the ground with a hammer, allowing for sturdy, semi-permanent installation. Since it can’t be knocked over easily, this fence can be used as a dog run or pet pen (unless you have large, rowdy pets). The holes are small enough to deter rabbits and other pesky intruders, but deer could easily jump over it. Although it is a bit on the pricey side and does not come with a matching gate (or one you can purchase separately), we feel that this fencing is an easy way to improve the function and look of your yard and should last for years to come. Price at time of publish: $171 To deter rabbits and other pesky creatures, the mesh spacing decreases from 4 inches to 1 inch as it gets closer to the ground. However, some determined rabbits may jump through the larger opening at the top. Since the wire netting is lightweight and flexible, it is easy to install and maneuver. For effective fencing, the manufacturer recommends placing T-posts every five feet, but they are not included. Price at time of publish: $42 Erva Bunny Barricades are sold in packs of three, five, or 10. They are significantly pricier than many other options, which is surprising because they are fairly basic in design. According to reports, these cages are effective at keeping out rabbits, groundhogs, and other small critters. Since they are only 13.5 inches tall, however, larger animals like deer can reach right over them. The cages are easy to install and each unit includes four metal anchors to secure it in the soil. Price at time of publish: $220 Thanks to interlocking panels, this garden fence is easy to set up and requires no additional tools. It has spiked feet that can be inserted into the ground without any digging. The versatile panels can be positioned to create different shapes such as an “L”, “O” or zigzag. What’s more, they fold flat when not in use for easy storage. This fencing is temporary, which means it can be disassembled or moved with little effort when needed. One downside is that it is on the flimsy side; we found some reports of pieces breaking during installation and welds not holding. Price at time of publish: $51 The 16-gauge galvanized metal wire is durable and resistant to rust. Although it’s not as sturdy as semi-permanent fencing, it’s ideal for creating a barrier around plants, trees, and bushes. If you need to fence in a larger area, this fencing is available in packs that include two, three, or four panels. Thanks to its lightweight and flexible design, the installation process is simple, but you will need stakes (sold separately/not included) to secure it in the ground. As an alternative, you could attach it to an existing fence with cable ties. Price at time of publish: $43 These fence panels come unassembled in a box and, depending on your level of DIY skills, it may be challenging to put together. The installation process is fairly simple and requires little to no digging, but the setup is more complex than temporary fencing. If the ground is soft enough, you can insert the included stakes into the ground. For hard ground, you will need a cordless drill and auger bit. The manufacturer offers a compatible Manchester Gate, which is sold separately. Price at time of publish: $139 The panels are black with a curved design, adding a modern flair to your yardscape. The openings are small enough to deter rabbits, dogs, and other small animals. According to some reports, however, a few determined animals have managed to get through. If deer are a problem in your yard, consider purchasing a panel that’s 8 feet or higher so they can’t jump over it. This temporary garden fencing is easy to install with no tools required, and it can be removed as needed. Price at time of publish: $300 Steel and aluminum are a better choice for decorative fencing because they often feature intricate patterns and scrollwork. Plus, they can be painted to match an existing yardscape. These fences often have a powder-coated finish to improve weather resistance and resist corrosion. However, they are more prone to rusting than vinyl.
Mesh Size
Mesh fencing tends to do a better job of keeping animals out than decorative fencing. However, the mesh spacing has to be small enough that pesky critters can’t slip through. One-inch mesh spacing seems to be the most effective at keeping rabbits and other small animals at bay.
Fence Height
There are two factors to consider when choosing your fence height: the size of your plants and what animals you’d like to keep out. A shorter fence (24 inches or lower) is ideal for decorative and deterring smaller critters. However, you will need a fence that’s at least 8 feet high to prevent deer from eating away at your vegetation. Fences to deter domestic cats and dogs or keep them contained, should be at least 3 feet high. They should also be anchored securely into the ground to prevent them from being knocked over. It’s important to note that many cities, towns, and homeowners’ associations have fence height regulations. “It would be a good idea to look into what is the maximum height allowed for your area,” says Amber Freda, a landscape designer based in the New York City area. You should also consider the depth of the fence (recommended to be at least 6 inches deep), especially if you want to deter rabbits from your garden.
Ease of Installation
The installation process will vary depending on the type of garden fencing. Temporary fencing is typically the easiest to install. and most have stakes at the bottom that can be pushed into the ground, without any digging required. Semipermanent fencing also requires stakes, but a little more labor will likely be needed. Depending on how hard the ground is, you may have to drive the stakes with a hammer or mallet. If you need to dig small holes, a drill with an auger bit might be necessary. Permanent fencing isn’t a popular choice for decorative garden fences and edging. Since posts must be set in concrete for maximum stability, installation is much more complex.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. To select the best garden fences for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their material, height, mesh size, and ease of installation. Sage also took hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites into consideration. For expert insight on garden fences, Sage interviewed Amber Freda, a landscape designer specializing in city gardens in the New York City area, including rooftops, terraces, and townhomes.
