Deer are among the most adaptable animals on earth. The more than 90 different species of deer have found homes all over the earth, in nearly every habitat imaginable, from dense forests and mountainous terrain to marshes and deserts. Though types of deer may be found in many types of biomes, deer typically inhabit the border zones that mark the transition from forests to meadows, where there is soft grass and other plants for them to eat and adequate cover for them to safely spend the night, relatively protected from predators.
Unfortunately, there is another creature that likes to live in nearly every type of habitat, all around the world. That creature is the human being. Deer have little aversion to living close to humans. In fact, since they are so adaptable, most deer are quite willing to help themselves to landscape and garden plants provided by humans. This is quite convenient for the deer, but much less desirable for the people who find their nice-looking yards destroyed by deer. People who have never witnessed it have difficulty understanding just how destructive a herd of deer can be.
Deer Like What You Like
If you do not want deer in your yard, maybe you could just design your yard to make it unattractive to them. The two biggest problems with this approach are that humans tend to like the same types of landscaping that deer appreciate, and deer will eat almost anything. If you choose to live in an area that is also inhabited by deer, and you want to keep your garden or yard safe, you will need to keep the deer out. You can protect a garden with fencing; that is the only really effective way to keep deer out.
Which Fence Do I Need?
There are many different styles of deer fence available. When you want to protect a garden with fencing, you will need to consider three characteristics of your new fence.
- Materials
The two most common materials used in protective fencing are metal and plastic. Metal fencing tends to be more durable than plastic, but is also more expensive. If you want to get the maximum life from your fence, consider using galvanized steel or welded mesh that has been coated in PVC. This has the added benefit of blending into your yard, making the fence less of an eyesore.
- Height
To protect your yard from deer, a six-foot fence is the absolute minimum, although an eight-foot fence is the ideal choice. An eight-foot fence may cost a little more, but it is better to install the right fence from the start than to have to rebuild your inadequate fence a few seasons later.
- Appearance
This is the final characteristic to consider; it is also the point where you will have the most options. Deer fencing is available in an enormous variety of styles and colors, for everything from an austere, industrial look to an aesthetically pleasing look that blends in with the environment.
The deer in your area would like nothing better to gorge themselves on your landscape or garden. Do not let them; you can protect a garden with fencing, and keep the deer where they belong.
