A deer infestation can cause serious damage to your garden or yard. You might consider installing a fence to stop deer from eating your plants, even if you have used deer repellents.
Deer fencing may not be suitable for all yards. Before installing any fence, make sure you check the local building codes and covenants. There are many options for fencing deer, including a variety of styles and installation methods. These are the essential steps to adding a deer fence to your yard.
How to build a deer fence
These are the most effective deer fence designs:
Tall Fence: An 8 foot high fence is considered deer-proof. It is tall enough that even scared deer won’t jump it. If deer cannot see through the fence, it is even more effective.
Slanted Fence: A 6′ tall fence can work well if it is angled at 45 degrees to the side (towards deer). Because of the distance and height, deer won’t jump over it.
Double Fence: Two fences can be placed a few feet apart. Deer will not like to be caught between fences so they won’t attempt the jump. This can be done with two rows of electric fencing, each about 3 feet apart.
Electric Fence: An electric fence is a great way to keep deer away if you are able maintains it. As long as the wire is always on, even a few strands of electrified can keep deer away. Start with one strand at 30 inches above the ground. If the deer continue to get in, you can add more strands one foot above and one foot below the first. Keep an eye on the garden and add strands every other foot until you have a fence that is effective against deer. Electric fencing is easier to install and move around in the garden. It is common to lure deer to the wire to make them stay away. This can be considered cruel.
Modified Fence: If you have a shorter fence in your garden that isn’t working, add an extension to each pole with wire or mesh between them. This will increase the height of your fence without altering its appearance. You can also add a second fence to your existing fence.
Deer Fence Materials
Privacy fencing: An 8′ high privacy fence is a good choice if you have the budget. Because they cannot see what is on the other side, deer will not jump it.
Mesh fencing: To cover larger areas, you can use 8′ mesh strung between tall metal fence posts. To prevent the mesh from sagging you can attach a taut wire to the top of the posts to keep it in place. Mesh can be attached to trees near the woods’ edge for a more subtle appearance. There are many options for mesh fencing: metal wire (most durable) and polyethylene-coated steel (expensive but more appealing), and polypropylene, which is less expensive but less durable but still visible.
Tips for Deer Fence
Complete Enclosure: A fence is only effective if it completely surrounds your garden. If you block only deer paths, it will encourage them to find new ways in. You should make sure that gates are as high as the fence and secure.
Landing Zone: Add obstacles to the fence to discourage deer from landing there.
