Repellent sprays just not providing enough protection? Too big of an area to cover? Deer fencing may be the only answer. Many types of fencing have been designed to exclude deer. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Before spending money on fencing, be sure and know all the facts before deciding which is best for you.
If you are thinking about deer fencing, there are several factors to consider. These include cost, appearance of the fencing,size of the area to enclose, degree of control, and value of the crop. Consider if you need to protect and if the fence needs to be permanent or if it could be temporary.
Woven Wire Deer Fencing should be at least 8 feet high and in high pressure areas, ten foot heights should be used. These are constructed both as vertical and slanted fences.
Metal Hexagrid Deer Fence
Metal hexagrid deer fencing is, in essence, a heavy-duty 20-gauge chicken wire that has been coated with a weather resistant black pvc coating. This coating reduces wear and tear as well as visibility. It is the perfect solution for keeping deer at bay because it’s low visibility prevents deer from being able to jump over it.
Welded wire fencing is also a type of high-tensile fence that is made from a combination of steel and aluminum, it can reach heights of up to 8 feet and is designed to be difficult for deer to penetrate.
Electric Fencing
Electric fencing can be divided into at least categories: permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary. There is also a product called Wireless Fence to consider. You can use several configurations used with electric fencing. Electric fencing will be more effective if combined with a conventional fence. Common configurations include single and multiple strands used both vertically and slanted.
Mesh Barriers and Mesh Fencing
Mesh Barriers and Mesh Fencing can be used as a short term deterrent, then be taken down for the winter. Mesh Fencing is a great inexpensive choice and can be reused over and over. This is inexpensive material and easy to put up. Cons are that it can blow in the wind if not attached well.
Deer Netting and Tubing
Deer Netting and Tubing such as deer netting or tree tubing, can be used around individual tree seedlings to reduce deer damage to small trees while they are vulnerable. Buck rubs occur frequently where small trees, usually under 6 feet tall are planted in a landscape near a deer path. Not exactly fencing, barrier ribbon with deer repellent applied to it can be used as an "odor fence" keeping deer out. Barrier ribbon is classified under Barrier Ribbon -Miscellaneous Deterrents
Fencing is a common and often effective method for controlling deer populations, as it physically blocks them from entering a specific area. Here are a few examples of types of fencing that are commonly used for deer control:
High-tensile deer fencing: This type of fencing is made from a strong mesh material and can be up to 8 feet tall, it is designed to keep deer from jumping over it. This can be an effective option for large properties or gardens.
Wooden fencing
Solid wood or vinyl fencing: These types of fences can also be used to keep deer out of a specific area, but they must be tall enough and well-constructed to prevent deer from jumping over or pushing through them. Wood fences are rarely used for deer control because of expense. If you are installing a wooden fence for other reasons on your property, then you may want to consider an 8 foot high fence that would deter deer instead of a standard 6 foot fence.
The most effective fencing is the one that is properly installed and maintained, and it can be a combination of multiple fencing types to provide the best solution. A combination of a tall solid wood or vinyl fence with high tensile wire fencing, or an electric fence can be a good solution, in cases where deer are known to jump over regular fences. In addition, it's important to comply with local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before installing any type of fencing.