How to Install a Deer Fence

If you live in an area where deer are a problem, you will need to know how to use preventative measures to keep them from eating your flowers, bushes and anything else you try to grow. Some people try powders around their gardens, others have guard dogs, some install deer guards around their bushes, but only a few will install a deer fence to definitely keep the deer out of their yards. Zoning laws may prevent it in residential areas, but if you have enough land, you should be able to install a deer fence to protect your yard or garden.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rolls of fencing mesh, 7.5 feet high (polypropylene mesh)
• Spray paint
• Fence posts
• Measuring tape
• Marking tape
• Sledgehammer
• Ground stakes

1. Walk around the perimeter of the area you want to seal off from the deer. You will need to mark any bushes that need to be cut back or removed to make room for the fencing. If you spray the unwanted plant material with just a spot of spray paint, you can come back later and remove it. With tape for visibility, mark any tree that can be used as a support for your fencing.

2. Clear away the brush and plant material that may be in the way of the installation of your deer fencing mesh. There is no need to have a strictly straight fence, just so long as there are no breaks in the perimeter and the area is somewhat straight so that you don't have to buy enormous amounts of fencing.

3. Measure the pathway you have cleared for the deer fence. You can do this by measuring from tree to tree and writing the measurements down as you go. You will also need to count how many fence posts you will need to get for areas that stretch father than 20 feet between trees.

4. Purchase your mesh fencing after you know the measurement of the perimeter you wish to enclose. Most deer fencing companies will provide you with detailed instructions for their product, but basically the typical installation involves getting the mesh, the posts and the ties. For a larger installations you may need to purchase a support cable and tightener to keep the tension at the top of the fence.

5. Install the extra fence posts where there are spaces larger than 20 feet. You can use a sledgehammer to pound them in securely. Surround the perimeter with the mesh by stapling the fence to trees and tying it to the installed fence posts. Use ground stakes to hold down the bottom edge from eager deer.

6. Remove all the marking tape from the trees and install a support cable at the top of the fence if you are encircling a larger area. Your fence should now be ready to stop any marauding deer from entering your yard or garden.

Resources

• Benner's deer fencing