Whether you plant vegetables, flowers or both in your garden, you are probably already aware of how quickly the garden can be destroyed if you are unable to prevent it from being invaded by wildlife pests. Knowing what type of fencing works best depends mainly on which type of wildlife frequently visits your property. These are the types of fencing that work best at keeping animals out of your garden.

White-Tailed Deer 

White-tailed deer are beautiful, agile animals that can leap up to eight feet in the air. They can easily step over low lying fences and often even crawl under fences if it helps them gain access to the delicious vegetables and flowers inside. If a fence is weak and flimsy, deer will also lean against it or run through it to knock it down.

To keep these wildlife pests out of your garden, it is best to install a wire fence that is at least eight feet tall and electrified. You can also add extra protection by double fencing around your garden. First install the electrified fence and then use the same type of wire fence to encircle the garden again inside the electric fencing. This will easily keep deer and other jumping wildlife at bay.

Rabbits 

Rabbits are another type of wildlife that can wreak havoc in your garden. While rabbits can jump a few feet high in the air, they do not normally attempt to go over fencing. Rabbits prefer to crawl under a fence or simply chew through it. 

To protect your garden from a rabbit invasion, install vinyl-coated chicken wire around it. The fencing needs to be around three to four feet above the ground and the bottom should be buried a few inches deep to prevent rabbits from crawling under it. Use metal posts to hold up the fencing for added stability.

Groundhogs 

Groundhogs are even more resourceful than rabbits when it comes to getting into a tasty garden. They will climb over, climb under and attempt to squeeze through a barrier to get to your vegetables and flowers. You can use the same vinyl-coated chicken wire for making a three to four foot fence that will groundhog-proof your garden.

However, a few adjustments need to be made to keep this pest away from your flowers and vegetables. The top strand of wire fencing should be loose or electrified to make it more difficult for a groundhog to go over it. The bottom foot of fencing needs to be angled outward away from the garden and buried several inches deep to prevent them from burrowing under it. Metal posts can be used in the same way to add strength to the fence.

Regardless of what type of wildlife you are dealing with, always remember to check your fence regularly for any openings that animals may get through. Rabbits and groundhogs can easily squeeze through small openings. Deer can stretch small openings or completely tear down a section of fencing with their antlers. Contact a local fence contractor, like Holman Fence LLC, for more help.

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