Constructing a Deer-Resistant Barrier

Identify areas prone to deer damage. Deer often feed from dusk till dawn, making it tricky to spot the culprits. Nevertheless, they frequently leave distinctive traces like:

• Overnight harm to plants, especially to shoots, flower buds, and leaves.
• Tree bark consumption or damage from deer rubbing their antlers on it.

Determine the boundary length by measuring the perimeter. Utilize a tape measure or wheel, factoring in distances obstructed by trees, shrubs, and structures.

• Position the boundary 3 to 5 feet (0.91 to 1.52 m) beyond the at-risk zone.

Select deer fencing with 1.77-inch x 1.96-inch dimensions for optimal protection. A mesh size of 1.77 by 1.96 inches (4.5 cm × 5.0 cm) offers superior defense. Alternatively, 1.75 by 2 inch (4.4 cm × 5.1 cm) mesh is acceptable. Include an extra 10% for contingencies by multiplying your measurement by 1.1. For instance, if you measure 100 feet (30 m), procure material for 110 feet (34 m).

• Avoid 0.75 by 1 inch (1.9 cm × 2.5 cm) mesh tailored for smaller creatures.

Acquire 6 to 8-foot (1.8 to 2.4 m) fence posts for every 15 feet (4.6 m). Given that white-tailed deer can leap nearly 8 feet (2.4 m), your fence should match this height or tilt outward to deter them.

• For a 100-foot (30 m) span (excluding the extra 10%), divide by 15 to determine posts needed—approximately 7 (rounding up).
• Visit a local hardware store for your fencing posts.
• Angle fences under 8 feet (2.4 m) at a 45-degree slope.

Invest in 8-gauge monofilament wire and fasteners for fence tension. While 12-gauge is an option, 8-gauge offers superior reliability. Calculate wire length by doubling the boundary measurement. Additionally, buy 7 to 8 self-locking fasteners for each post.

• Monofilament wire enhances fence stability, though it's not mandatory.

Secure your fence using ground stakes. Calculate stakes needed by dividing the boundary length by 5. For instance, a 100-foot (30 m) fence demands 20 stakes, excluding the 10% addition.

• Ground stakes are crucial—they prevent deer from bypassing the fence.

Arrange your posts evenly spaced 15 feet (4.6 m) apart along the boundary. Prior to embedding them, lay out the posts flat on the ground around the perimeter, ensuring uniform spacing.

• If post quantities are insufficient, re-calculate by dividing the boundary length by 15 to confirm adequacy.

Position posts using a post hole driver. Obtain a post hole driver from a hardware store. Align each post vertically along the perimeter and place the driver atop the post, gripping its handles. Exert significant downward force to embed the post, leaving 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m) above ground.

• Ensure a minimum burial depth of 1 foot (0.30 m) for each post.

Embed posts using a hammer or rubber mallet. In the absence of a post hole driver, position each post vertically along the perimeter using your non-dominant hand. Place a hammer or mallet on its top and drive downward with a striking action, leaving 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m) protruding above ground.

• Confirm posts are sunk at least 1 foot (0.30 m) into the earth.

Attach the fence from the base of the initial post to its top. Begin by connecting the fence to the post's top using a zip tie, ensuring it's not overly tight. Repeat the process at the bottom, securing it firmly.

• Maintain a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) allowance of fencing to accommodate elevation changes during stretching.
• If there's surplus fencing, affix it flush to the ground using staples.

Secure the monofilament wire atop the fencing. Thread the wire through the uppermost part, leaving an additional foot (0.30 m) for tying to the post. Cinch with a zip tie and loop the extra wire around the post.

• Omit this if monofilament wire wasn't part of your purchase.

Extend the fencing between posts. Progress along the boundary, pulling both fencing and monofilament wire. Secure the fencing to posts' tops and bottoms using zip ties, ensuring tautness. Employ the wire to maintain the fencing's upper alignment.

• If the fencing exhibits a 'memory' curve, stretch it 3 to 4 feet (0.91 to 1.22 m) and reverse its rolled direction.

Anchoring the fence with ground stakes. Affix the stake's hooked section to the fence—above the wire—and embed its bent end into the earth using a hammer or mallet. Space each stake approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) apart.

• Always drive the bent end into the soil to ensure stability.