How High of a Fence Do I Need to Keep Deer Out of My Yard and Garden?

They may be cute, but deer can be real menaces to a garden. Whether you’re growing ornamental plants for their beauty or a veggie garden to feed your family, deer aren’t too bashful to come enjoy a feast of their own. However, you can keep them off your property, so long as you build a fence higher than they can jump. Here’s how high of a fence you need to keep deer out of your yard.

How High Should a Fence Be to Keep Deer Out?

A fence should be 8 to 10 feet high to keep deer out of your yard and garden. Adult deer can jump 8 feet in the air, and the most athletic deer can even clear up to 12 feet.

However, keep in mind that deer have limited depth perception compared to humans, and they won’t try to jump a fence if it looks unsafe to them. In areas with more trees, shrubs, and other obstacles, a fence height of 6 to 8 feet can deter deer for fear of landing on something on the other side. In more clear, open spaces, deer could determine that it’s less risky to hurdle a fence shorter than 8 feet.

Best Fence Materials to Deter Deer

A tall fence may not be enough to keep the most determined deer from munching on your cabbage and cauliflower. You should also consider strong, sturdy materials like solid wood, chain-link fencing, and wire. While some deer-resistant fences are available in lower-cost polypropylene mesh, deer that really want to get into your garden could break through this material.

Use a durable wood for the fence posts, and make sure the fence posts are the right size to support a taller fence. Also, use the right size nails for the fence posts to make your fence as durable and deer-resistant as possible.

What Attracts Deer to Your Yard?

Deer are foragers, so they’re looking for all kinds of tasty vegetation to eat. While they do like to eat garden staples like strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, and spinach, they will also consume perennials and annuals, too. Your roses, daylilies, tulips, pansies, ivy, and hostas are all at risk of being destroyed by deer.

Deer tend to wander into gardens for food when other food sources or water are scarce. Areas with increasing development or places experiencing drought often see more deer searching for food.

Cost to Build a Fence to Keep Deer Out

Installing a fence costs $1,900 to $4,800, although the cost depends on the material you choose, the post type, and what height you decide works best for keeping deer out of your yard. Taller fences will increase the cost, but keeping deer out of your yard will save you money in landscaping repairs in the long run.

If your fence takes any damage, whether from a deer, a storm, or another issue, make sure to repair or replace the fence as soon as possible. What seems like a small opening could offer just enough of a view to reassure deer that they can jump into your yard safely.

Other Methods to Keep Deer Out of Your Yard

One of the best ways to prevent deer from coming into your yard is a tall fence that they can’t or won’t try to jump over. Hiring a fencing pro near you will ensure the fence is the right height and installed properly to prevent a deer from toppling your fence.

However, if you don’t want to install a tall fence, there are other humane methods you can use to dissuade deer from coming onto your property. Here are other options you can try:

• Add plants that are considered “deer-resistant,” like marigolds and snapdragons.

• Rely on strongly scented plants, like lavender, rosemary, mint, basil, and oregano.

• Install a motion-detecting product, which emits a spray of water when triggered by motion from a deer.

• Use motion-detecting lights to frighten deer enough to leave the garden.

• Spray scented deterrents, like diluted rosemary or peppermint oil, around your property.

• Place a rocky border, which can be uncomfortable for deer to walk on, around your yard or garden.