Choosing the best fence to keep out deer and other animals requires considering the types of animals you are dealing with, the size of the area, budget, and desired aesthetics. A truly effective barrier integrates height, material strength, and an obstructed view.
Key Considerations
Target Animals: Different animals require different barriers. Deer are jumpers, while rabbits and groundhogs are diggers and chewers.
Height: For deer, the fence should be at least 7 to 8 feet tall. For small animals, 2-3 feet is sufficient, provided the base is secured.
Material Strength & Visibility: Solid Fencing (e.g., wood privacy or stockade) can be effective at a shorter height (around 6 feet) because deer are hesitant to jump if they can’t see a clear landing zone on the other side.
See-through Fencing (e.g., wire mesh, poly mesh) needs to be taller (7.5–10 feet) to be effective, as the deer can judge the height and clear it easily if it’s too low.
Ground Barriers: To stop burrowing animals like rabbits, groundhogs, and moles, the fence material must be secured to the ground, with an overlap pinned down or buried at least 6-12 inches deep.
Local Regulations: Always check local zoning laws before building a tall fence, as permits may be required for fences over a certain height.
| Fence Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Tall Metal or Poly Mesh | Durable (metal), affordable (poly), effective at right height, less visually obtrusive. | Must be 7.5+ ft tall for deer; poly not chew-proof on its own. | Overall garden protection from deer and other animals (when combined with chew barrier). |
| Wood Privacy Fence | Effective at 6 ft height by blocking view, offers privacy, aesthetically pleasing. | More expensive, requires regular maintenance, harder to install. | Homeowners wanting privacy and an effective, attractive deer barrier. |
| Electric Fence | Highly effective deterrent through a mild shock, less expensive for large areas. | Requires a power source (solar or plug-in), needs constant maintenance, local restrictions may apply, less effective for wild animals than domestic ones. | Large plots or commercial gardens with high, persistent deer pressure. |
| Combination Fence | Combines the benefits of different materials for comprehensive protection. | Can be more complex to install. | Keeping out both large (deer) and small, chewing (rabbits, groundhogs) animals. |
Summary
The most effective, long-term solution is a permanent 8-foot fence made of strong material like woven wire or metal mesh with a buried or overlapped base to deter diggers. For smaller garden areas or budget-conscious projects, a combination of 7-foot poly mesh with a metal rodent barrier at the bottom and a physical or psychological deterrent (like a double fence layout or angled top wire) is a good alternative.
Contact us and we will help you design the perfect fencing system for your needs. We’ve been helping homeowners in Northern Oregon and Southern Oregon build, install, and repair fences since 2007.