If you’re growing plants, vegetables, or flowers in your Salt Lake City backyard, you’ve probably learned the hard way that keeping out deer, rabbits, squirrels, and even your neighbor’s dog or cat can be an ongoing battle. Food is scarce for animals in some seasons, and they’re quick to eat your carefully planted seeds, dig up raised garden beds, or climb over an existing fence.
Of course, while there are other deterrents available, a fence is the most reliable and effective solution for protecting your garden. Learning how to build a garden fence to keep animals out is crucial if you want to protect your landscape and all the effort you put into maintaining it.
Common Critters in Gardens
A variety of small animals and critters may be visiting your yard, such as:
- Deer: Can easily jump fences that are not tall enough, especially at the very top.
- Rabbits: Known for digging under fences and eating seeds, new shoots, and garden plants.
- Squirrels: Will climb, dig, and even use your fence posts or trees as a gateway.
- Birds: Peck at sprouts, fruit, and seeds.
- Dogs or Cats: Your pets or your neighbor’s may trample beds or dig for fun.
Garden Fence Ideas to Keep Animals Out
Chicken Wire & Mesh Fences
Chicken wire or hardware mesh is a popular choice for keeping small critters like rabbits and squirrels out of vegetable gardens or raised garden beds. One edge of the fencing should be buried at least 1 foot into the ground to avoid wildlife digging under. Pull the mesh taut with wire or cable to keep animals out and increase durability.
Solar Powered Electric Fence
For large plots or persistent animal visitors, consider installing a solar-powered electric fence. These fences are especially effective for protecting food crops from deer, raccoons, and curious pets. However, it is important to always follow safety guidelines, particularly in residential neighborhoods.
Wooden and Combination Fences
Wooden fence panels create a formidable dog-proof and cat-proof barrier, especially when combined with mesh or netting. Attach the mesh securely using zip ties or fencing staples. Pull the mesh tight and cover as much of the lower fence as possible. This layered fence to keep animals out of garden spaces will provide an extra barrier against persistent diggers.
Netting & Top Wire
To prevent deer from jumping, secure netting along the very top of the fence or add a top wire as a barrier. For animals that climb, such as squirrels or raccoons, consider stringing wire at various heights or using flexible netting over trellises to deter their access. These measures help create an effective defense against different types of garden intruders.
Tools and Materials Checklist
- Fence posts—Pressure-treated for longevity.
- Wire or chicken wire
- Zip ties, staples, or fencing nails to attach mesh or netting.
- Concrete (for anchoring posts).
- Gate materials or a strong door kit for access.
- Shovel, post-hole digger, tape measure, string, and level.
- Gloves are used for effort and safety when pulling the wire tight.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build Your Garden Fence
Step 1: Prepare and Mark the Perimeter
Lay out your fence line around the entire yard, bed, or vegetable garden to make sure to clear away any grass and weeds from the fence line. This helps prevent small critters from hiding close to your plants and trying to sneak in. Keeping the area clean and visible is an important first step in building an effective garden fence to keep animals out.
Step 2: Install Posts
Dig each hole for the fence posts with a post-hole digger to a depth of at least 2 feet. Anchor the posts by filling the holes with either concrete or hard-packed soil. Space the posts evenly around the perimeter, ideally 6 to 8 feet apart, to provide stability and support for the fence structure. Properly setting and spacing the posts is essential for building a durable garden fence that effectively keeps animals out.
Step 3: Secure the Base
Begin by rolling out chicken wire or mesh along the ground around your garden perimeter. Securely attach the mesh to each post using zip ties or staples and pull it taut to eliminate any gaps that animals could squeeze through. For added protection against small animals and rabbits, lay an apron of mesh along the outside of the fence or bury the mesh edge 6 to 12 inches deep.
Step 4: Add a Gate or Door
Install a sturdy gate or door to provide easy access to your garden or raised beds. Seal the bottom of the gate tightly to the ground, since rabbits and other small critters often use this spot to get through. Properly securing the gate helps maintain the overall effectiveness of your garden fence in keeping animals out.
Step 5: Finish the Fence
For deer, adding top wire or string netting along the top of your fence creates an effective barrier. To keep climbing pests out, additional mesh or angled fencing at the very top provides an extra layer of protection. For birds, using netting over trellises or positioning stakes over vulnerable plants or seeds helps prevent damage.
Step 6: Double Check for Gaps
Walk your fence perimeter carefully and fix any loose sections, holes, or weak points you find. For added strength, consider reinforcing these vulnerable areas with a second layer of mesh, especially along paths frequently used by animals. This extra measure keeps your garden fence a strong barrier against persistent critters.
Whether you’re facing challenges with measuring, choosing the right materials, or installing your garden fence, hiring a professional can save you time, effort, and frustration. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if building a garden fence feels overwhelming—protecting your garden is worth the investment.
Enhancements, Maintenance, and Common Tricks
Once your garden fences to keep out animals are in place, a few tips can boost their staying power:
- Solar-powered electric fence adds a mild shock barrier for persistent deer or raccoons. Be sure to warn others if you install electric fencing.
- Protect beds and seedlings by using netting directly over raised garden beds or young plants.
- For birds, lightweight netting or floating row covers can be very effective.
- For added protection along the ground, lay or bury extra mesh to stop digging by dogs, rabbits, and other small animals.
- To prevent squirrels and raccoons from climbing, string slippery plastic pipes along the top wire to deter them from grabbing on.
- Check for gaps at gates and fence corners, and make sure you secure and tighten all latches to create a cat- or dog-proof solution.
Spring Tip: After snow melts or heavy spring rains, inspect your fence for soft soil or sagging sections that might allow critters easier entry.
Say Goodbye to Animal Intruders: Contact All Over Fence
Protecting your plants, seeds, and veggies from animals in Salt Lake City doesn’t mean resorting to harsh measures. With a well-planned garden fence, attention to local wildlife, and use of the right wire, mesh, and netting, you can create a resilient barrier that keeps your food safe all season.
For those looking to stop animal intrusion from gardens and on properties for good, contact the professionals at All Over Fence. For years, we’ve served the residents and property owners of Salt Lake City and beyond with meticulous knowledge and ongoing solutions.
Don’t leave your hard work unprotected—call All Over Fence today for a consultation and a fence that truly keeps animals out!
Whether you’re in Salt Lake City and Layton, or elsewhere along the Wasatch Front, the All Over Fence team is ready to help. Request your free quote today, or browse our service area for more details.