7 Best Garden Fences for Animal Protection That Old Farmers Swear By

Protecting your garden from wildlife can be a frustrating challenge as deer, rabbits, and other critters view your carefully tended plants as an all-you-can-eat buffet. The right fence serves as your garden’s first line of defense, creating a physical barrier that keeps unwanted animals out while complementing your outdoor aesthetic.

Finding the perfect garden fence means balancing effectiveness, durability, and visual appeal—without breaking the bank or turning your garden into a fortress.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Garden: 7 Best Garden Fences for Animal Protection

1. Electric Fence – Electric fences deliver a harmless but startling shock that trains animals to stay away. They’re highly effective against deer, raccoons, and other persistent wildlife. You’ll need a power source and regular maintenance to check for shorts or vegetation touching the wires.
2. Wire Mesh Fence – This affordable option consists of galvanized steel wire formed into a grid pattern. Wire mesh fences work exceptionally well against rabbits and groundhogs when buried 6-12 inches underground to prevent digging. For optimal protection, choose a mesh size smaller than the animal you’re trying to exclude.
3. Wooden Privacy Fence – Solid wooden fences create both a physical and visual barrier that discourages deer, which are reluctant to jump into areas they can’t see. You’ll need at least a 6-foot height to effectively deter deer, though these fences offer excellent aesthetics that complement most garden styles.
4. Picket Fence with Wire Backing – This hybrid solution combines the charm of traditional picket fencing with protective wire mesh attached to the garden-facing side. The decorative front maintains your garden’s aesthetic while the wire backing prevents smaller animals from squeezing through gaps.
5. Metal Decorative Fence – Ornamental metal fencing made from aluminum or wrought iron provides excellent durability and protection. These fences offer a sophisticated appearance while creating an effective barrier against medium to large animals, though smaller creatures may still squeeze through unless paired with mesh backing.
6. Poly Deer Fence – Made from heavy-duty polypropylene, these nearly invisible black mesh fences are specifically designed to protect against deer. They’re lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and can span large areas without obstructing garden views, though they require proper installation to maintain tension.
7. Natural Hedge Barrier – Dense, thorny shrubs like barberry, hawthorn, or holly create living fences that deter animals through physical discomfort. While requiring more time to establish than manufactured options, natural barriers eventually provide habitat for beneficial wildlife while protecting your garden.

1. Electric Fences: High-Voltage Security for Persistent Pests

Electric fences offer a humane yet effective barrier against wildlife that threatens your garden harvest. These systems deliver a memorable but harmless shock that teaches animals to stay away from your precious plants.

How Electric Fences Work to Deter Animals

Electric fences create a psychological barrier by delivering mild electric shocks to animals upon contact. The fence connects to an energizer that sends electric pulses through wires or netting at regular intervals. When an animal touches the fence, it completes an electrical circuit, receiving a startling but harmless shock that creates a lasting negative association with your garden.

Best Electric Fence Options for Different Garden Sizes

For small to medium gardens, the VersaNet® Plus 9/20/2 Electric Netting provides temporary protection against rabbits and raccoons with easy setup. Larger areas benefit from Deer QuikFence® 5/60/12 for seasonal protection, while permanent solutions like PermaNet® Plus 12/48/3 offer long-term defense for orchards and gardens. For specific threats, consider RaccoonNet® for raccoons or Bear QuikFence® 12/35/12 for bear-prone areas.

2. Chain Link Fences: Durable Protection Against Larger Animals

Chain link fences offer robust protection for your garden while withstanding harsh weather conditions and deterring larger animals. Though not typically the first choice for complete garden protection, these fences provide a durable backbone that can be enhanced for comprehensive animal control.

Heavy-Duty Chain Link Options for Maximum Security

For maximum security, choose chain link with a smaller mesh size (1 inch or less) to prevent smaller creatures from squeezing through. Opt for 9-gauge or 11-gauge galvanized steel for superior strength and longevity. Consider a vinyl-coated option for extended durability and better aesthetic integration with your garden landscape. These heavier versions stand up to persistent larger animals like dogs and coyotes.

Installation Tips for Chain Link Garden Barriers

Bury your chain link fence at least 12 inches underground to prevent animals from digging underneath. Install the fence with concrete-set posts spaced no more than 8 feet apart for optimal stability. Enhance protection by attaching hardware cloth (½-inch mesh) along the bottom 2-3 feet and extending it outward in an L-shape underground. For deer protection, ensure your fence reaches 8-10 feet tall or add an angled top section to discourage jumping.

3. Wooden Privacy Fences: Attractive Barriers for Deer and Other Jumpers

Wooden privacy fences offer the perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality for garden protection. These sturdy barriers not only enhance your landscape’s visual appeal but also create effective boundaries against persistent wildlife intruders.

Height Considerations for Effective Deer Protection

Deer can easily clear lower barriers with their impressive jumping abilities. For maximum protection, install wooden fences at least 8-10 feet tall to effectively deter these agile creatures. Setting the top section at a 45-degree angle creates an additional psychological barrier that makes deer hesitate to attempt jumping. In areas with moderate deer pressure, a 5.5-foot fence combined with a buffer zone of strategic plantings can also prove effective.

Decorative Wooden Fence Styles That Still Offer Protection

Wooden fences don’t have to sacrifice style for function. Lattice-topped privacy fences combine solid lower sections with decorative upper portions while maintaining adequate height. Board-on-board designs create visual interest with overlapping planks that eliminate gaps animals might exploit. Combining wooden elements with buried hardware mesh (½-inch) extending 6-12 inches underground prevents smaller animals from digging underneath while preserving the fence’s attractive appearance.

4. Metal Hardware Cloth: Small-Animal Deterrent for Vegetable Gardens

Metal hardware cloth is one of the most effective barriers for protecting your vegetable garden from small, persistent pests. Its tight mesh pattern (typically ½ inch) creates an impenetrable barrier against rabbits, voles, gophers, and mice while still allowing airflow and visibility.

Preventing Burrowing Animals with Buried Hardware Cloth

To stop determined diggers like voles and gophers, bury hardware cloth at least 12 inches underground around your garden perimeter. Dig a trench, place the hardware cloth vertically in it, and backfill with soil. This underground barrier prevents animals from tunneling beneath your garden and accessing your precious vegetables from below.

Best Installation Methods for Maximum Protection

Combine hardware cloth with a taller fence (at least 5.5 feet high) to create comprehensive protection against both small and large animals. Ensure the hardware cloth sits snug against the ground with no gaps that animals might exploit. For additional security, create protective “baskets” around individual plants using the same material, especially for high-value crops vulnerable to specific pests.

5. Plastic Mesh Fences: Affordable Protection for Seasonal Gardens

Lightweight Options for Temporary Garden Protection

Plastic mesh fences offer a budget-friendly solution for seasonal gardens that need flexible protection. Made from durable polyethylene materials, these lightweight barriers can be quickly deployed around vegetable patches or flower beds. Unlike permanent fencing, plastic mesh can be easily reconfigured as your garden layout changes throughout the growing season. The typical mesh design allows for good airflow while creating an effective barrier against rabbits, groundhogs, and other common garden pests.

DIY Installation Guide for Plastic Mesh Barriers

Installing plastic mesh fencing requires minimal tools and can be completed in an afternoon. Start by clearing debris from your fence line and unroll the mesh to your desired length. Use sturdy garden stakes or posts spaced 4-6 feet apart to secure the mesh, ensuring it remains taut. Bury the bottom edge 4-6 inches deep to prevent animals from pushing underneath. For enhanced protection against persistent diggers, combine your plastic mesh with hardware cloth at the base or create a 90-degree outward-facing apron buried just below the soil surface.

6. Bamboo Fences: Eco-Friendly Option for Sustainable Gardens

Bamboo fences offer an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly option for garden protection, though they come with certain limitations when it comes to animal deterrence.

Natural Bamboo Barrier Options for Different Animals

Bamboo fences alone aren’t typically strong enough to deter determined wildlife. While they create a natural-looking boundary, standard bamboo installations lack the height needed for deer (which require 8-10 feet barriers) and the underground protection necessary for burrowing animals. For minimal wildlife pressure or decorative purposes, bamboo can serve as a visual deterrent, but shouldn’t be your primary defense against persistent garden visitors.

Combining Bamboo with Other Materials for Enhanced Protection

To maximize bamboo’s effectiveness, combine it with more robust protective elements. Integrate ½-inch hardware mesh buried 12 inches underground to prevent tunneling pests like voles and gophers. For deer protection, construct bamboo panels at least 5.5 feet tall with a 45-degree angled top section, or supplement with strategically placed electric wiring. These hybrid approaches maintain bamboo’s eco-friendly aesthetic while significantly improving its protective capabilities against multiple animal threats.

7. Chicken Wire Fences: Budget-Friendly Solution for Small Gardens

Chicken wire fences offer an affordable, flexible option for gardeners looking to protect their plants without breaking the bank. These lightweight mesh barriers can be quickly installed with basic tools and provide effective protection against many common garden pests.

Best Chicken Wire Heights for Different Animal Threats

For rabbit protection, install chicken wire at least 2 feet tall with 1-inch diameter holes, burying several inches underground to prevent digging. Cats and dogs require taller 3-foot fencing with sturdy posts and an outward-facing ground apron approximately 2 feet wide. While chicken wire alone won’t stop deer, you can use it at the base of taller 8-10 foot fencing to prevent them from squeezing underneath your garden barrier.

Reinforcing Chicken Wire for Longer-Lasting Protection

Bury chicken wire 12 inches underground to prevent tunneling pests like voles, gophers, and armadillos from accessing your garden. For enhanced protection, combine with ½-inch hardware mesh at the fence base for smaller animals that might squeeze through standard chicken wire. Add protective netting over the top to deter climbing creatures like raccoons and squirrels. For maximum effectiveness, consider pairing chicken wire with cattle panels or electric fencing to create a multi-layered defense system against persistent wildlife.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Garden Fence for Your Specific Animal Problems

Protecting your garden from wildlife requires choosing a fence that addresses your specific animal challenges. Whether you’re dealing with persistent deer rabbits burrowing rodents or a combination of threats there’s a fencing solution that fits your needs and budget.

Consider the height material and installation method based on local wildlife pressure. Remember that combining different fencing types often provides the most comprehensive protection while maintaining visual appeal.

The perfect garden fence balances functionality with aesthetics giving you peace of mind that your plants are safe without sacrificing the beauty of your outdoor space. With the right fence in place you’ll enjoy the fruits of your gardening labor rather than sharing them with unwanted visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective fencing option to keep deer out of my garden?

For deer protection, you need a fence that’s either tall or creates a psychological barrier. A wooden privacy fence at least 8-10 feet tall works well, or try a 5.5-foot fence with a 45-degree angled top section. For a less visible option, poly deer fences provide excellent protection while remaining nearly invisible in the landscape. Electric fences can also be effective as deer quickly learn to avoid them after receiving a mild shock.

How deep should I bury my fence to prevent burrowing animals?

For effective protection against burrowing animals like rabbits, groundhogs, and voles, bury your fence at least 12 inches underground. Hardware cloth and wire mesh are particularly effective when buried. For enhanced protection, create an L-shaped underground barrier by extending the mesh outward from the fence line about 12 inches to create an underground “apron” that animals can’t dig past.

Are electric fences safe for use around children and pets?

Modern electric fences for gardens deliver a mild, safe shock that startles but doesn’t harm animals, children, or pets. They create a psychological rather than physical barrier. However, it’s important to install warning signs around the perimeter and educate family members about the fence. Many systems offer timed operation, allowing you to turn them off during hours when children or pets are active in the yard.

What’s the most budget-friendly fence option that actually works?

Chicken wire and plastic mesh fences are the most affordable effective options. Chicken wire costs around $1-2 per foot and works well against rabbits and small animals when properly installed and buried. Plastic mesh is similarly priced, lightweight, and easily reconfigured for seasonal gardens. To maximize effectiveness while minimizing costs, focus on protecting only your most valuable growing areas rather than the entire property.

Can I make my garden fence decorative while still keeping animals out?

Absolutely! Several options balance aesthetics with protection. Wooden picket fences with wire backing look charming while keeping smaller animals out. Decorative metal fences provide sophistication and durability. Board-on-board wooden fences with lattice tops offer privacy and protection. Natural hedge barriers created from dense, thorny shrubs serve as living fences that blend with the landscape while deterring wildlife.

What’s the best fence option for protecting against multiple types of animals?

A multi-layered approach works best for diverse wildlife threats. Consider combining a tall fence (5.5+ feet) with buried hardware cloth extending 12+ inches underground. The tall portion deters deer and jumping animals, while the buried section prevents burrowing pests. For enhanced protection, add an electric wire along the top or outside perimeter. This comprehensive approach addresses most common garden invaders, from deer and rabbits to groundhogs and voles.

How do bamboo fences compare to other options for wildlife protection?

Bamboo fences are eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing but offer limited wildlife protection on their own. They work best in areas with minimal wildlife pressure or as a decorative element combined with more robust protective measures. For effective protection, pair bamboo with buried hardware cloth to prevent tunneling and increase height (8+ feet) to deter deer. Without these enhancements, bamboo serves primarily as a visual boundary rather than a wildlife barrier.

What’s the best solution for a vegetable garden specifically?

Hardware cloth provides the best protection for vegetable gardens. Its tight mesh pattern (typically ¼-½ inch) prevents small rodents from accessing crops while allowing airflow. Create a perimeter by burying the cloth 12 inches deep and extending it 24-36 inches above ground. For complete protection, cover the top with bird netting. Alternatively, create protective “baskets” around individual high-value plants using hardware cloth formed into cylinders or boxes.