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Since wood is weaker when installed horizontally versus vertically, a horizontal fence is prone to sagging. You can prevent this drooping from happening by building a sturdier fence. Use softwoods that are more stable, such as cedar and redwood, or denser hardwoods for your fence materials. If you can’t afford these pricey materials, use thicker two-by-six pressure-treated pine boards or shorten the span the fence boards have to cover by installing more posts.

The bottom strand should sit between 12 to 15 inches from the ground. If you have a problem with small critters, you can aim for 8 inches. Three-strand fences should be 16 to 19 inches apart, four-strand fences should be 10 to 12 inches apart, and five-strand fences should be 8 and 10 inches apart.

In terms of materials, chicken wire mesh will be the most inexpensive option to use when building your fence. The downside is that it’s not the most attractive garden fence option. In a similar vein, you could choose a DIY fence made out of repurposed items, like car tires, or wooden pallets, either of which would be free to collect. 

Lattice should not touch the ground, as it creates a possibility for rot and a termite infestation. It’s best to leave a gap of 3 or 4 inches at the bottom for airflow and to keep the wood dry. You can add stones, bricks, or other decorative pieces to conceal the bottom of the lattice if desired.