How to Build a Deer Fence

Deer are part of the wonderful wildlife that sometimes visit backyards. However, deer can also be very destructive especially when it comes to a backyard garden. Build a deer fence to keep these beautiful creatures from destroying your garden.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Deer Netting or cattle fencing
• Hammer or mallet
• Twine or twist ties
• Fence posts

1. Measure the area you want to fence, leave walking room and room to work in between the garden beds and rows. Write these measurements down on paper and take it to the supply store to purchase everything you need to build your deer fence.

2. Gather the necessary supplies. Deer netting or cattle fencing, twine, wire and fence posts are the basic supplies. Buy general tools, such as a hammer or mallet and a drill.

3. Decide on the placement of the fence. You'll be attaching deer netting to at least 2 poles. The deer netting or cattle fencing should deter the deer from jumping over the fence.

4. Install the posts in the appropriate spots. Most people place fence posts in at least the 4 corners of the area, depending on the size of the fence needed. Remember that a temporary deer netting fence will need more posts for support.

5. Stretch the deer netting or cattle fence around the posts and attach it to the posts with twine or twist ties. You also can drill holes into the fence posts to attach the deer netting. To build the deer fence with this method, drill holes into the fence posts and string the twine through the holes in the fence posts. Attach the deer netting. Cattle fencing can be attached, using wire or heavy twine.

6. Add posts as necessary to give support, and be sure to attach the deer netting or cattle fencing to the new fence posts.

7. Maintain the fence by inspecting the posts. The fence posts occasionally may need to be hammered down; fence posts tend to lift from the ground, especially if they are disturbed.

Tips & Warnings

• The higher the fence, the more it deters deer. Some deer can jump up to 8-feet high, so build your fence high enough. However, if deer are determined and hungry, they can get through almost any fence.
• Add 2 fences together. Build a fence around the garden area. Then build another fence parallel to the first fence. Place the second fence about 5feet from the other. Deer won't bother jumping because they won't be able to get over both fences quickly.

[janeashurst]

on 5/6/2009 For free advice concerning Deer Control and Deer Fencing in England get in touch with outhern Counties Deer Managementhttp://www.deercontrol.org.uk/index.htmlThey offer a highly professional free service. Can't recomemnd them highly enough