Gardeners know how frustrating it is to work day in and day out only to discover that deer are eating your tomatoes, nibbling on squash and peas, and ripping off the trees’ bark.
Despite trying various methods such as human hair and Irish Spring soap, we were unsuccessful in deterring the deer from our garden.
After much research we decided that the best method would be to install a deer fence from a leading supplier such as https://www.critterfence.com/deer-fence to enclose the garden.
Vegetables can be challenging to grow in deer country.
Most gardeners opt for tall fences that resemble maximum-security prisons to prevent high-jumping deer from accessing their crops.
Our objective was to maintain our beautiful views while ensuring an appealing appearance from the street.
In addition to looking beautiful, we have successfully kept deer out of our vegetable garden.
How Tall Should a Deer Fence Be?
Last year, we decided to install a temporary fence around the perimeter of our vegetable garden after exhausting other options.
However, even with a fence standing at 5 feet tall, the deer continued to feast in our garden every night.
It clearly didn’t work!
Considering the visibility from our front yard, we needed to carefully plan the layout of the fence.
To really keep deer out, we’d need an 8 foot fence. Deer can jump a fence of five to six feet easily.
Our design began with this in mind.
In addition to keeping deer out, it also had to look good!
To achieve this, we dug holes 2 feet deep for each post using a post hole digger.
Deer Fence Supply List
- Posts with a pressure treatment of 4x4x10
- Detailed
- Pressure-treated 2x4s
- Hog wire galvanized
- Pressure-treated 2×6 lumber
- Boards with 2×2 dimensions
- Screws for decks
- Drilling
- Observed
- Grinder with an angle
- Intensity
Determine Measurements
Plan how many linear feet of deer fencing you will need in the first step.
Concrete was then poured around each post to secure them firmly in place.
The top rail board was positioned at a height of 60 inches above the footer board.
Our deer fence will have two gates, one for the backyard and one for the front yard.
In order to construct each section of fence, six – 2×4 boards will be required: one for the footer, one for the top rail, and four to enclose the four sides of the hog panels.
Install Posts
We utilized a post hole digger to dig holes that were 2 feet deep for each post.
Once the holes were prepared, we poured concrete around each post for added stability.
For each post hole, about 2/3 of a 60lb. bag was needed.
Run a string from end to end for each side of the deer fence and align each post with the string.
Install Footer and Top Rail
Install the footer and top rail boards after all of the posts have been installed and the concrete has cured.
Cut the boards to length based on the distance between each post.
Our footer boards were installed level and approximately 9 inches above ground level.
At a height of 60 inches, we installed the top rail board above the footer board.
Using our Kreg jig, we created pocket holes for each screw in our rails.
To secure the boards, we either toe nailed them or used brackets if a jig was accessible.
Install the Hog Panels
We ripped 2×4 boards into 2 – 1 1/2 inch x 1 1/2 inch pieces to enclose each hog panel section.
Attach one of the ripped 1 1/2′′ x 1 1/2′′ boards to the footer rail and one to the top rail board, aligned with the outer edge of the 2×4.
For each side post, cut two 1 1/2′′x1 1/2′′ boards to fit between the footer and top rail.
Screw the deck together.
The hog panel needed to be cut to fit the designated opening.
We employed angle grinders to cut our panels effectively.
Hog wire panel should be placed against 1 1/2′′ x 1 1/2′′ boards.
The remaining 1 1/2′′ x 1 1/2′′ boards should be placed against the hog wire panel, sandwiching the wire panel between the two boards.
Screw the deck screws into place.
In order to ensure the durability of this deer fence, we used pressure treated lumber.
Redwood or cedar can also be considered as suitable materials for the fence.
The wood we used was not stained, but if you use other lumber, you may want to stain it before installing the hog wire panels.
Install the Trellis
A trellis was installed to complete the 8 foot height requirement for our deer fence.
Not only would it establish an 8-foot barrier for deer, but it would also enhance the fence’s aesthetic appeal.
This will also provide the perfect trellis for growing wisteria, which I have been wanting to do.
The trellis is created by installing 2×6 boards on each side of the 4×4 posts.
Furthermore, I wanted the 2×6 boards to have a decorative cut at the end.
We used a plate to trace an arc onto the lumber.
With a jigsaw, cut out the arc.
With deck screws, we secured the remaining boards to the 4×4 posts using this board as a template.
We cut 2×2 boards to 24 inches for the top of the trellis.
Then we placed them on top of the 2- 2×6 boards.
The 2×2 boards were pre drilled with holes where they would attach to the 2×6 boards in order to prevent the wood from splitting.
Two holes were drilled in each board.
Pre-drilling the holes makes the installation of the trellis quick and easy.
Most of the deer fence materials we picked up at our local Home Depot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we installed a temporary fence resembling a maximum-security prison to protect our garden from deer. By digging 2-foot deep holes and pouring concrete, we ensured the posts’ stability. The top rail board was positioned 60 inches high, and the hog panel was cut to fit the opening using angle grinders. Choosing redwood or cedar not only created an 8-foot barrier but also enhanced the fence’s beauty. Tracing an arc onto the lumber added a unique touch. This comprehensive approach effectively safeguarded our garden while maintaining an appealing appearance.
