Protect Your Garden — Fencing Strategies

Growing vegetables and fruit is rewarding, but it can prove challenging in leafy neighborhoods which host a plethora of wildlife - deer, rabbits, groundhogs, squirrels, chipmunks, etc. - that also want to take a bite out of our hard work.

On some properties, these animals make edible gardening very difficult, if not impossible. A fence can make all the difference.

Deer

Let's start with deer. They are beautiful and voracious and they can jump. Fences need to be at least 6 feet tall. You may read that deer fences need to be up 10 feet tall, but that really applies to a very large fence with lots of open space around it which deer can use for a running start before leaping over the fence. In most residential settings, 6-7 feet is plenty. Welded wire fencing, with large apertures, affixed to sturdy posts works just fine - the main purpose here is a physical barrier. The deer will peer in but not enter.

Rabbits

Rabbits are easier to protect against. They are not good jumpers or climbers, and a 2 ft. welded wire fence should do the trick. The apertures in the fence need to be smaller, such that even a baby rabbit couldn't squeeze through. A raised bed that's 2 ft. or taller would automatically exclude rabbits as well.

Groundhogs

What about groundhogs? They can climb, dig, and burrow. Unlike rabbits, they can wreak real havoc on the produce you've lovingly tended for months. A 3-4 ft. tall fence with a wobbly top will prevent their climbing. To prevent their burrowing under your fence, dig a trench and bury the fencing material 12 inches deep. Digging a trench is hard work though, so another option is to lay 12 inches of your fencing material on top of the ground and pin it down with landscape staples. Mow the lawn tightly before doing this, and the grass will grow through the fencing material on the ground and obscure it in a month's time.

All of the above fencing strategies can be combined in one sturdy, well-designed fence that will serve you for many many years to come. We love building fences for people as it can be the difference between near-constant disappointment and worry-free gardening. We enjoy building out the infrastructure that enables people to garden with pleasure and success.

Learn more about our raised bed garden installation service, which includes fencing options. Fall is a great time to set up your garden so you can hit the ground running next spring.