Installing Deer Proof Fencing

Although it may come as a surprise to many folks, deer are not constrained to forests. In many areas of the northwest, the south, the northeast and elsewhere, they are frequently found in urban settings. Provided they are not harassed, they will happily live a lifetime in neighborhoods and even gardens that simply provide a couple of shade trees and ample bushes.

Deer feed upon a range of bushes, foliage, flowers and even tree branches. Given that they are adorable, folks will frequently add to the menu by putting up feeders and stocking them with sunflower seeds, corn, apples and other things that these animals dearly enjoy.

Nevertheless, deer do not limit themselves and if a certain flower is of the variety they like, they will consume that as well. If your favorite shrub is part of their diet, it may well be gone in a couple of days. To prevent that calls for careful choice of plants, deer resistant perennial fencing or some other type of deer proof fencing.

The primary requirement when you are considering building a deer proof fence is for something tall enough to deter the deer from leaping over it to get to the plants. Second, it needs to be sturdy enough to discourage them from pushing through it and lastly it should be far enough back from the plants to prevent the deer from leaning past it to feed.

The fencing need not be as high as deer can jump. A medium-sized scared deer, or one frantic for food, can leap over a five-foot garden fence. Nevertheless, that height is seldom required. Even a fence just two and half feet high will prevent them from feeding upon flowers they would typically eat in a blink of an eye, particularly if there is a feeder within reach offering easier pickings.

Chain link makes a reasonably inexpensive deer proof fencing that is completely sturdy enough to keep deer away from the plants. However, if you go this route, get a design that does not have sharp spikes at the top. That is not only hazardous to children and adults but also any deer that jumps over and becomes caught on the prongs or scraped in the process.

Even if you are not an animal lover, that is a consequence, you do not want. An injured deer can damage plants, injure anybody close by and attracts predators like dogs or large cats. Keep the fence safe for both people as well as the deer and everybody will be happier.

A wood fence is a good alternative but you will need to make certain that the slats are placed narrow enough to impede smaller deer from sneaking through. Anything lower than a foot will usually suffice.

It will also have to be sturdy enough to resist pushing. Even a starving deer is seldom smart enough to push through a fence to get to food.

Nonetheless, they will lean into one, attempt to move a head through slats and so on in order to get to food. Well sunk posts and good bracing will resolve the issue.

Last, make certain that deer proof fencing is far enough back from the plants to serve its purpose. Shrubs that grow close the fence will not keep deer from feeding close to the edge. Keep at least a foot, preferably two, between the fence perimeter and any flowers or other plants that deer like.