Different animals, different fences
A fence that keeps a dog in is not the same as one that keeps a deer out. Wildlife varies enormously in size, jumping ability, digging habits and persistence, so the first step is to identify what is actually visiting. Tracks, droppings, the type of damage to plants and trail camera footage can help. A fence designed for the wrong animal wastes money.
No fence is guaranteed to stop all wildlife. Hungry animals can be persistent, and the best results usually come from combining a fence with other measures. Also remember that local rules may apply to wildlife management, so check them before taking any action that goes beyond fencing.
Deer
Deer can jump surprisingly high, so a barrier meant to stop them typically needs to be much taller than an ordinary privacy fence. Many recommendations call for heights well above what local rules allow for a typical residential fence, and height limits can conflict. Options people use include:
- Tall fencing where permitted, often in lightweight mesh designed for the purpose.
- Angled or double-layer barriers, because deer tend to hesitate when they cannot judge a jump’s width and depth.
- Protecting only the garden, not the whole yard, with a smaller enclosure that is easier to build tall and tight.
Deer pressure varies by region and season, and a hungry herd will test any fence.
Rabbits and groundhogs
Smaller animals need a different approach. Height is less important than mesh size and the base.
- Mesh openings need to be small enough that rabbits cannot squeeze through. Chicken wire with large holes is sometimes used for rabbits, but young animals can slip through larger gaps.
- Bottom edge. The fence should reach the ground and be fastened tightly, since rabbits push under loose edges.
- Burrowers. Groundhogs and similar animals dig. A buried barrier, often a mesh turned outward in an L-shape and buried a short way down, discourages digging along the fence line. Burial depth and width are usually discussed in general terms, and the exact numbers depend on the species and soil.
- Climbers. Groundhogs can climb some fences, so some people leave the top loose and floppy to make climbing harder.
Rabbit-proof fencing for small garden beds is mostly about mesh size and a tight, buried base.
Other animals
Raccoons climb and are clever with latches. Foxes and coyotes dig and jump. Opossums and squirrels climb easily. Burrowing animals like moles and gophers move underground, where an ordinary fence does nothing. For these, below-ground barriers or other approaches are more relevant than height. Livestock owners and people near wild areas may have additional concerns, and local wildlife agencies can often explain what is common in your region.
Fence materials for wildlife
- Welded wire and woven wire are commonly used for garden and animal fencing because they are strong and can be sized to the animal. A welded wire fence is a practical option for borders.
- Plastic or lightweight mesh is used for deer in some cases because it is cheap and easy to install, though it can be damaged by animals and weather.
- Solid fences screen the garden from sight, which can reduce interest from some animals, but they do not stop climbers and diggers.
- Electric fencing is used in some rural settings, but it has safety and legal considerations, and many residential areas restrict it. The electric fence drawbacks are worth weighing carefully before considering it.
Gates and gaps
Wildlife fencing fails most often at gates and corners. Make sure gates close tightly to the ground and to the posts, use a latch that animals cannot work, and keep the gap at the bottom small. Check where the fence meets buildings or other fences for openings.
Combining measures
Fencing works best with supporting steps.
- Remove attractants such as fallen fruit, accessible pet food and open compost.
- Choose plants that are less appealing in areas where animals are a problem, knowing that no plant is truly immune.
- Use a smaller, dedicated enclosure for vegetables, as in a vegetable garden fence, rather than fencing the whole yard.
- Inspect regularly for gaps, digging and damage.
Weighing the cost
Tall or buried barriers cost more and take more effort than a typical yard fence. Before building, compare the expected damage against the cost, and check permits and height limits. For some households, protecting a limited area is far more practical than fencing out all wildlife.
A fence can reduce wildlife problems, sometimes significantly, but expect to adjust the design as you learn what the animals do.