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When it comes to safeguarding your property from wandering deer, a well-designed fence can be your best line of defense. Not only do deer fences protect your garden or landscape from hungry deer, but they also play a crucial role in their population control, ensuring that deer populations remain managed and protected. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for erecting deer fences.
Whether you're nurturing a vegetable garden, maintaining a flower bed, or merely wanting to keep your landscape pristine, deer can pose a significant problem. These creatures are notorious for munching on plants, shrubs, and trees, which can cause significant damage to your green spaces.
In deer hunting preserves or conservation areas, fences are vital for controlling the movement of deer, ensuring they remain within designated zones, and protecting them from potential hazards like highways.
Deer are powerful jumpers, but they're also cautious animals. A deer fence acts as both a physical and psychological barrier. While they can often jump high, deer are less likely to jump over a fence if they cannot see where they will land on the other side. This is why certain fence designs work more effectively than others.
It's been noted that white-tailed deer, common in the Texas Hill Country, can jump heights of up to 8 feet. However, the height they choose to jump often depends on the perceived threat or the lure on the other side.
Given the jumping capabilities of the common deer, the recommended height for a deer fence is between 7.5 to 8 feet. This ensures that even the most determined deer will find it challenging to leap over.
Best Type of Fencing for Deer
Both the mesh and pipe rail of this fence type are made from solid metal. Mesh and pipe rail fencing offer the most visibility out of the different types of deer fence. The mesh size should be small enough to prevent deer from getting their heads through and potentially getting trapped. In most cases, Elite Fence Company will recommend mesh paired with a pipe rail fence for large properties like farms and ranches.
A solid barrier, like a cedar wood fence, can be more aesthetically pleasing and also provides a visual block, discouraging deer from attempting a jump. However, these can be more expensive and may not blend into natural surroundings as easily. For smaller properties, or for protecting smaller areas of a property like a garden, cedar wood fences are a great option.
Another option for those looking for a solid barrier to keep deer out is composite vinyl fencing. Composite vinyl fencing can be built tall enough to deter deer from entering the property, and can also be an excellent choice for matching the aesthetic of a home. For mid-size properties, Elite Fence Company is likely to recommend composite vinyl fencing as a good choice for deer fencing.
Setting up two fences, about 3-4 feet apart, can act as a further deterrent. Deer find it challenging to jump both the height and width required to clear double fences.
Regularly inspect your fence for damage or weak points. Over time, even the sturdiest of fences can succumb to wear and tear, especially in harsh weather conditions.
While the main goal is to deter deer, consider the visual impact of your fence. Blending it with the environment or using it as a design feature can add value to your property. At Elite Fence Company, we collaborate with homeowners to determine which fences best suit their properties' functionality and aesthetics, ensuring a harmonious blend with the nearby environment and their home's architectural design.
Having a well-constructed and strategically designed deer fence can protect your property, preserve the beauty of your landscapes, and ensure safety in controlled zones. By understanding deer behavior and their physical capabilities, you can make an informed decision on the best fencing solution for your needs.
At Elite Fence Company, we’re a leading provider of fencing solutions for all kinds of needs in the Texas Hill Country. Proudly serving San Marcos, New Braunfels, Kyle, and the rest of the Texas Hill Country, we’re ready to get started on your next fencing project. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.
Quality Fences at affordable Prices — Offering top-notch fences at competitive rates in Austin, Lockhart, Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Dripping Springs and the surrounding areas.
