Wire Fencing to Protect Your Garden

Do you want to keep critters from invading your garden or establish clear property lines? Wire fencing offers versatile, cost-effective protection for all types of yard and garden spaces. With the right materials and design, wire fences bring security without sacrificing style or breaking the bank.

Let's start from the basics.

What Is Wire Fencing?

Wire fencing refers to any fence constructed primarily from metal wire, including:

• Chain link fencing with crisscrossed wire woven into a diamond pattern
• Chicken wire with 1-inch hexagonal openings made of thin, galvanized steel wire
• Woven wire fencing with horizontal wires held together by vertical wires
• Welded wire fencing with wires welded at each intersection

These wires can have different finishes and coatings as well, like vinyl, aluminum, or galvanization to resist corrosion. The gauge or thickness of the wire impacts durability too.

Key Benefits of Wire Fencing

Compared to wood privacy fences, wire garden fences offer:

• Versatility - Available in various heights, openings, and styles to suit needs
• Affordability - Chain link and chicken wire being most budget-friendly
• Strength - Thicker wire gauges resist weathering and damage
• Visibility - Allows light, air flow, and views without blocking
• Low Maintenance - Resists rot, cracks, warping common in wood fences

Wire also comes in different colors and coatings to complement landscapes. It's no wonder wire fences are prevalent around gardens and kennels.

Choosing the Right Wire Fencing

With so many wire fencing options, it helps to consider:

Height and Opening Size

The height and opening width depend on what you want to keep in or out. For example:

• 4-feet with 1-inch openings to deter rabbits and stray cats
• 5-feet with wider openings to contain large livestock animals like horses
• 6-feet with locked chain link for security and pet containment

Wire Gauge and Durability

The wire gauge or thickness affects strength and weather resistance. Common gauges include:

• Chicken wire: 24-28 gauge - Weakest and needs support
• Chain link fences: 9, 11 or 14 gauge - Stronger in high traffic areas
• Cattle panels: Usually 12-16 gauge - Stands up to livestock

Go for galvanized or vinyl coatings for wet climates. Stainless steel offers maximum durability.

Matching Garden Design Aesthetics

Consider how the fence design and color complements your garden. For example:

• Ornate woven wire for cottage garden charm
• Neutral chain link or black steel wire to recede
• Powder coated panels matching garden color scheme

Installing Wire Fencing Around Gardens

Proper installation ensures your wire fence stands the test of time:

Step 1: Prepare and Dig Post Holes

Clear the area of plants or debris. Dig holes wider than fence posts and 6-24 inches deep depending on climate and fence height. Space holes equally for consistent support.

Step 2: Set Posts and Pour Concrete

Place posts in holes. Use a level to ensure straight vertical alignment on all sides. Pour concrete mix to cover the bottom 2-3 inches around posts. Allow concrete to set completely before moving on.

Step 3: Attach Fence Panels

Follow manufacturer guidelines to attach wire fencing to posts using panel bands, metal clips, zip ties, or wires. Tension bands provide flexibility on uneven terrain. Stretch fencing between posts, pulling tightly to remove slack.

Step 4: Hang a Gate & Accessories

A fence isn't complete without a gate for easy access. Self-closing gates with latches keep pets safe. Consider adding fence-top decor like finials for enhanced visual appeal too.

Get Inspired: Creative Wire Fencing Ideas

Beyond simple enclosures, get creative with wire in your garden...

Climbing Plant Supports

Install sections of chicken wire or wire grid panels along fences and walls for climbing vines like peas and cucumber plants to securely grab.

Protecting Vegetable Gardens

Use welded wire garden panels to make protective cages around vegetable plots. Anchor into the ground to keep hungry rabbits from burrowing underneath.

Custom Wire Garden Gates

Design a signature look using decorative woven wire panels. Powder coated finishes in white, black, or hunter green complement gardens.

Garden Borders and Pathways

Line garden borders and pathways with short wire fencing. Opt for aluminum wire border edging that keeps surrounding grass and weeds at bay.

Pet Kennels & Dog Runs

Give your furry friends fresh air and security with an enclosed outdoor escape made of chain link. Add a shade cover for protection from weather and hot sun.

What Are the Costs?

Regular wire fence installation costs $15-$30 per linear foot with DIY materials averaging:

• Chain link - $15 to $20 per foot
• Chicken wire - $1 to $2 per foot
• Woven wire - $10 to $15 per foot
• Welded wire - $7 to $15 per foot

Add $4,000-$8,000 to have a professional design and install a 200-linear foot backyard wire fence with gates to code.

Common Critters Stopped by Wire

The visibility of wire won't necessarily camouflage your garden, but can deter destructive animal invaders like:

Deer

While deer can leap over fences lower than 8-feet, perimeter enclosures provide extra discouragement paired with odor deterrents.

Rabbits

Rabbits nibble their way through gardens but think twice about entering spaces secured by small opening wire fences.

Groundhogs

Groundhogs are excellent diggers but welded wire sunk 6-12 inches below ground as garden borders stops them in their tracks.

Stray Cats and Dogs

Chicken wire laid horizontally along the ground blocks cats and dogs from digging underneath garden fences.

Birds Like Chickens

Secure backyard chickens comfortably within fenced-in runs of poultry netting to keep birds in and aerial predators out.

Alternatives to Wire Fencing

Wire might not work or suit every home, so also consider:

Wood Fences

Cedar picket fences with lattice panels provide partial visibility with classic style. Allow space between pickets for air circulation.

Decorative Metal Fences

Wrought iron, steel, and aluminum fences offer security with more distinctive, upscale appeal mixing materials like wood and masonry.

Plant perimeter rows of spikey, dense shrubs for natural visual barriers keeping animal pests at bay organically.