The Smart Way to Build a Garden Fence Animals Can’t Get Through
If you’ve ever walked out to your garden and found plants eaten, soil dug up, or fencing pushed over, you’re not alone. Animals are curious, persistent, and surprisingly strong when food is involved.
The good news is that you don’t need fancy gear or complicated systems to protect your garden. With the right fencing setup and a few smart upgrades, you can keep most animals out and your plants safe.
This guide breaks it down in plain language, so you know what works and why.
Know Which Animals You’re Dealing With
Before fixing your fence, it helps to know who’s getting in. Different animals break into gardens in different ways.
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Rabbits squeeze through small gaps and chew wire.
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Deer jump over fences.
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Raccoons climb and pry things open.
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Dogs and foxes dig underneath.
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Squirrels climb almost anything.
Look for clues like digging near the fence, bite marks, or flattened sections. This will help you focus your efforts instead of guessing.
Choose the Right Fence for Your Garden
Not all fencing keeps animals out. Decorative fences may look nice, but they don’t stop determined visitors.
Here are reliable options:
Wire Mesh or Hardware Cloth
This works well for small animals like rabbits and groundhogs. Choose a tight mesh with small openings so they can’t squeeze through.
Welded Wire Fencing
Stronger than basic chicken wire and harder to bend or chew through.
Wood Fencing
Good for blocking sightlines, which can deter deer, but it often needs extra reinforcement at the bottom.
Electric Fencing
Very effective for deer and raccoons, but it may not suit every garden or neighborhood.
The best fence is one that matches your local wildlife and your garden layout.
Secure the Bottom of the Fence First
Most animal break-ins happen at ground level.
Bury the Fence Edge
Dig a trench about 6 to 12 inches deep and bury the bottom of your fence. This stops animals from digging under it.
For extra protection, bend the buried portion outward in an L shape. When animals dig, they hit the wire and give up.
Use Ground Stakes
Metal or heavy-duty stakes every few feet keep the fence tight to the ground and prevent gaps from forming over time.
Add a Ground Barrier
You can also lay wire mesh or stones along the base of the fence on the outside. Grass will grow over it, and animals won’t like digging there.
Make It Hard to Climb or Jump
Some animals don’t dig. They climb or leap.
Increase Fence Height
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Rabbits: at least 2 feet
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Dogs and foxes: 4 feet
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Deer: 7 to 8 feet
If a taller fence isn’t an option, angled extensions at the top can help. Even a slight outward tilt makes jumping harder.
Smooth the Top Edge
Adding a smooth rail or PVC pipe along the top makes it harder for animals to get a grip.
Reduce Nearby Launch Points
Move stacked wood, compost bins, or raised beds away from the fence. Animals use these as stepping stones.
Close Every Gap (Even the Small Ones)
Animals are great at finding weak spots.
Walk your fence line slowly and look for:
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Loose ties or staples
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Bent wire
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Gaps around posts
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Spaces under gates
Fix these right away. A gap the size of a fist is more than enough for many animals.
For gates, use:
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Tight-fitting frames
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Strong latches
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A board or metal strip along the bottom to block gaps
Add Simple Deterrents for Extra Protection
Sometimes fencing alone isn’t enough, especially in high-traffic animal areas.
Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers
These startle animals without harming them. They work best at night and around entry points.
Scent Deterrents
Predator scents or strong smells can help, but they need regular reapplication and work best as a backup, not a main solution.
Noise Makers
Wind chimes or rattling objects may help at first, but animals can get used to them over time.
Keep Up with Fence Maintenance
A fence isn’t a one-time fix.
Check it every few weeks, especially after storms or heavy rain. Soil shifts, posts loosen, and small problems grow fast if ignored.
Trim plants growing along the fence so animals can’t use them for cover or climbing support.
Final Thoughts: A Secure Fence Means Peace of Mind
Securing your garden fence doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Most animal problems come down to gaps, weak spots, or fences that don’t match the animal trying to get in.
Start with a solid fence, secure the bottom, close every opening, and add deterrents if needed. A little effort upfront saves a lot of frustration later.
When your fence is done right, your garden becomes a place for plants to grow, not a buffet for wildlife.