It’s unusual to think of deer as predators–unless you’ve got a flourishing garden. These gentle herbivores can wreak havoc on your carefully tended and dearly loved plants.
While deer are important to the ecosystem, they don’t need to graze on your veggies to thrive. Try these deer fence ideas to keep the deer out of your hair and away from your garden!
1. Liquid Fences
A quick and easy way to keep deer off your property is with a liquid fence. These substances have pungent ingredients, like garlic, that deer dislike. The odor and taste tell deer that your plants aren’t the snack for them.
Chemical or natural repellents make a great deer fence for a garden because they often discourage other pests, like rabbits, too. At the same time, this kind of deer fence is safe for your plants, and won’t harm any animals that decide to take a bite anyway.
The drawback, however, is that a liquid fence isn’t a permanent solution. You need to reapply it to keep it fresh or replace it after rainstorms. Plus, it won’t stop the truly curious deer from having a nibble.
2. Electric Fences
Another option is an electric fence. These are made up of lightly charged electrical wires strung between deer fence posts. If a deer crosses the boundary, they’ll get a light shock.
An electric fence won’t stop a deer from getting access to your garden. Rather, the shock will teach the deer that your garden isn’t a safe place to be. However, if you have more than one animal snacking on your greens, your garden might take heavy damage before you’ve taught them all to stay back.
3. Wooden Fences
A classic solution is to put up a solid wooden fence. Deer can’t squeeze through it, and they can’t break it down. However, it’s not uncommon to see deer jumping a fence if it’s too short.
Many deer can jump over fences as high as 8 feet (2.4 meters). To keep a deer out with a wooden fence, you’ll need to build a tall one, which could obstruct your view. Depending on the structure of your property, this might be fine, but if you need a sightline lower than a deer can jump, a wooden fence isn’t the right fit.
4. Metal Mesh Fences
A traditional wire deer fence is another great option for saving your garden from hungry deer. Metal mesh fences are effective because you can build them tall enough to prevent deer from jumping over them without losing your view.
The mesh is hard for a deer to see, so they’re less likely to try and jump over it when they can’t judge the height accurately. They’re also durable enough that deer can run into them without pulling the whole structure down.
Metal fences can last a long time, but they are susceptible to rust and weather damage, so it’s important to monitor them for signs of wear and tear.
5. Polypropylene Fences
The best Deer Fence for Gardens takes the benefits of a metal mesh fence and adds in more durability. Polypropylene fences are the same mesh design as a metal fence, but the material is more robust in all weather.
High-strength, UV-treated mesh can last decades, even if it has a run-in with a few determined deer. It’s an investment that will protect your garden from predation, season after season.
Try These Deer Fence Ideas Today!
Armed with these five deer fence ideas, you’re ready to tackle these gentle pests no matter what your garden looks like. Keeping deer out of your garden doesn’t have to be a constant struggle if you’ve got the right fencing.
For more advice on keeping your home and garden pest-free and beautiful, read our other home improvement blogs!