Best Fence to Keep Animals Out of Garden

Keeping animals out of your garden can be a challenging task, but with the right fence, you can create an effective barrier that protects your plants and keeps unwanted critters at bay. The best fence for your garden will depend on the type of animals you're trying to deter, the size of your garden, and your budget. Let's explore some of the best fence options to help you make an informed decision.

Before we dive into the different types of fences, it's essential to understand the animals you're dealing with. Common garden pests include rabbits, deer, squirrels, and birds. Each of these animals has unique characteristics that will influence the type of fence you need. For instance, rabbits can squeeze through small gaps, while deer can jump over fences. Understanding your local wildlife will help you choose a fence that's up to the task.

Physical Barriers: The Gold Standard for Animal Deterrence

Physical barriers are the most effective way to keep animals out of your garden. They provide a solid, impenetrable barrier that prevents animals from entering. The key is to choose a fence that's tall enough, strong enough, and has small enough gaps to keep your target animals out.

Here are two popular physical barrier options:

Wooden Fences

Wooden fences are a classic choice for gardens. They're strong, durable, and can be designed to fit any garden size or shape. To keep animals out, you'll want a fence that's at least 3 feet tall, with gaps no wider than 2 inches. This will deter most small animals, including rabbits and squirrels. For larger animals like deer, you'll need a taller fence, at least 8 feet high, with a solid bottom to prevent them from crawling underneath.

To further enhance the effectiveness of your wooden fence, consider adding a mesh or wire fabric along the bottom. This will prevent animals from digging underneath the fence. You can also install a top rail to make it more difficult for animals to jump over the fence.

Chicken Wire and Hardware Cloth Fences

Chicken wire and hardware cloth fences are excellent options for keeping small animals out of your garden. Chicken wire is made of galvanized steel wire with hexagonal openings, while hardware cloth has smaller, square openings. Both are effective at deterring small animals, but hardware cloth is a better choice for keeping out tiny critters like mice and vol