Choose Between Chicken Wire or Plastic Deer Fence

Different Methods to Stop the Deer

Whoever lives on the farm or in the area that is a natural habitat of deer knows how much damage this gorgeous animal can do. The classic garden fence isn’t in this case of a great help, and to protect the asset more serious approach has been required. To be an effective deterrent, the deer fence has to be between 6 and 8-feet high. The grown deer either can jump up to 8 feet or over a distance. If the fence is 6-feet high and inclined outward, it will provide enough resistance to stop the deer. Deer will meet resistance while trying to get under the fence. The high-voltage electric fence requires a complex installation but it will pay off on the large farms. For small-scale farmers and growers, it is not the cost-effective choice. There are several options for fencing that are convenient for home garden use. Polypropylene mesh of different strengths is weather-resistant, and the highest strength is strong enough to serve as the deer fence. Some existing fence can be upgraded with an additional fence on the top of it.  It is common practice to combine two standard woven-wire fences, one on the top of another to achieve the required height. This method isn’t recommended for its costs and demanding installation.

Animals of a Good Appetite

Like every other animal, deer also have some preferences when it comes to the plants they like to eat. They avoid some common flowers such as poppies, foxgloves or daffodils for their toxicity. The strong scent is also something that deters deer. Planting of the fragrant plants along the deer fence is an excellent idea. Deer will come to the fence and turn their noses up. Onion and garlic are sorts of vegetable that don’t attract deer. However, deer will visit a vegetable garden every time there is not enough of other food in their habitat. The problem is that the daily intake of food for a mature male can be from 6 to 10 pounds. It depends on the season and region. Most of the crops in the vegetable garden are eatable by the deer but their favorites are beans, lettuce, and cabbage which are common plants on farms. Early morning is a part of the day when you especially have to take a look on the deer fence. Deer feed at that time, and you can easily track the signs of their presence. Droppings, deep cylindrical hoof prints, and trampled crop point to recent visit. For the lack of the upper front teeth, they pull the plants and create a torn edge on stems and leaves. 

Effective Physical Barriers

If you have noticed the deer presence in your garden, it is a high time to undertake the precautions measures. You have multiple choices to prevent them from feasting on your account. Building a deer fence as a physical barrier is highly recommended. It is the most effective method for which you can use plastic netting, chicken wire or floating covers. The point is always to stop the deer before they reach the plants. Covers are not convenient for higher crops but they do the job with lettuce, squash or bush beans. You have to be careful while placing the cover. The heavier wind can blow it away so you should anchor it tightly. Some deer species can jump up to 12 feet which affect the height of the fence. Extended fence or doubled fence in two rows will discourage any deer trying to reach your crop. It is recommended for the barrier fence not to be shorter than 8 feet. Tall, effective fence is the only reliable solution for the deer defense, although some shorter fences might deter them as well. Don’t take your chances with the shorter fence, and keep in mind that it doesn’t obstruct the beauty of your garden. 

Physical Barriers in Compare to Scaring Tactics

The Polypropylene deer fence is lightweight and easy to install. From the distance, it is almost invisible. A double fence consists of two parts. The inner one is supposed to be placed 3 to 5 feet from the outer one. Such fence can be shorter, and it will prevent deer from taking a leap. Pounding stakes can also serve as deterrents. Deer won’t jump unless they see a clear landing area in front of them. Deer can also crawl under the fence. It is important to install the fence on the small height off the ground to disable the entrance. Electric fencing can be combined with other kinds of barriers but the experienced professional should be engaged to install it. Solar charger for power supply saves money and is environment-friendly. As any other pest, deer are adaptable, and they are getting used to obstacles trying to find a new way to reach the desired vegetables. Scare tactics seem to be effective for the certain period of time. However, deer start soon to recognize it and ignore it. The high-frequency sound or chemical repellents aren’t the permanent solutions as well. Some of the repellents might be harmful to humans and other animals if applied to vegetables. Follow the label instruction by the letter to avoid any unwanted effect. Only the physical barrier is considered a good and effective solution. The investment will pay off. You should only think about the type of the deer fence which in the best way meets the requirements of your asset. 

What can really help you to deter deer is to combine the fence with the plants that act as natural deterrents. Asparagus, garlic, rosemary, and oregano are welcomed in the garden as well as on the table. According to some farmers’ reports, deer dislike these plants.