Metal Hexagrid Deer Fencing

A new type of deer fencing, made of metal coated with black polyethylene and topped with monofilament lines, is more expensive than polypropylene fence but less visible, longer lasting, and stronger–indeed, strong enough to meet the building code requirements for swimming pool fence in Connecticut and New York. Small creatures won’t make holes in this deer fence–it is made from the same, pvc-coated 1-inch hexagrid material that professional installers use to gird the lower reaches of polypropylene deer fence against small animal attacks and to repair polypropylene fences that have been penetrated by small animals and deer (nearly all deer penetrations occur in the lower 4 feet of fence). That’s why our catalog offers lengths of this fencing that are two, three, four, and five feet high, in addition to offering the six-foot height suitable for combining with three monofilament cables to yield a full seven-foot deer fence (see Metal Hexagrid Fence).

This metal deer fencing with monofilament lines ends all penetrations. As we have seen, in all but a small minority of cases, jumping is not the issue. Even where open spaces, dogs, or other circumstances encourage jumping, relatively minor amendments to a seven-foot fence will thwart jumpers. But polypropylene fence has trouble resisting both direct assaults and small animal-assisted penetration along the bottom. In contrast, the metal hexagrid fence copes well with direct assaults, and when properly flapped and pegged along the bottom is proof against both small animal and deer attacks.

Another advantage is relative invisibility. Black PVC-coated hexagrid metal fence employs 20-gauge wire for the grid. This wire is much thinner than the polypropylene grid structures of the “invisible” plastic fences. And while the monofilament lines (placed atop the metal fence at six-inch intervals) are about the same thickness as the polypropylene mesh, they are only single lines and so are unobtrusive. Hence, it is not surprising to find that the metal fence is considerably less visible to both deer and people.

Other advantages: The metal hexagrid and cable fence is less likely to be torn down or damaged by falling limbs. It is also very durable, the metal fence having an expected life when properly maintained of 30 years–about twice the average expected life of polypropylene deer fence. It thus provides a solution to the deer problem that is far more thoroughgoing and long-lasting than that offered by polypropylene fence.

On the down side, this metal deer fence is heavier than polypropylene fence, so it needs a bit more support; and it is a good deal more expensive. In fact, cost is the main consideration. In general, those with limited budgets who wish to do their own installing will find that a properly installed and maintained polypropylene deer fence is a good alternative. However, those who can afford a metal deer fence and all those who are just plain tired of repairing and replacing polypropylene deer fencing will find metal deer fencing the best choice.

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