12 Effective Strategies for Cost-Effective Deer Fencing

When aiming to save money on a highly effective deer fence, it’s important to embrace a patient approach. Rushing through the process won’t yield the desired results. The good news is that investing time and patience in constructing a well-thought-out deer fence will pay off in the long run by preventing costly rework and breaches.

Achieve significant savings on your deer fencing project by adopting long-term planning, utilizing locally available materials, and taking the DIY route. Long-term plans ward off future repair expenses, local materials eliminate shipping costs, durable materials require infrequent replacement, and self-installation saves you from substantial hiring expenses.

By adhering to this comprehensive guide, you will acquire all the necessary knowledge for building an effective and economical deer fence while safeguarding yourself from potential future expenses.

It’s crucial to avoid skimping on various aspects of your deer fence construction, as dealing with repairs can become both costly and troublesome.

1. Opt for Durable Materials

Fence Posts:

While galvanized steel fencing and T-posts may pose an initial investment, they stand as the most long-lasting options for your project.

When aiming for maximum height, obtaining T-posts can be a challenge. The installation process only requires a post driver.

You can typically find these products at farmer’s supply outlets, often carrying 6-foot post heights. Special orders might be necessary for 8-foot heights.

In our fortunate case, we stumbled upon a local individual selling their surplus 8-foot deer-fence T-posts from a mature maple and birch mini-forest.

Fencing:

Galvanized steel fencing offers a lifetime of use.

Its rolled portions can be utilized with any chosen post type.

Steel wire can be secured around T-posts by twisting and cutting with pliers.

While wood posts consume more wire for fastening, staple fasteners can serve as an alternative for securing the fencing. The staples need to be snug to allow for the expansion and contraction of the wire mesh with changing weather conditions.

2. Adopt Long-Lasting Installation Techniques

Proper installation involves stretching galvanized wire mesh fencing tightly during the process.

• Use a 2×4 or 4×4 that matches the height of your fence for even and effective pulling and tightening of the fence.

Besides line posts, additional posts are necessary to create robust corners and endpoints. Gates should be positioned between two of these endpoint brace assemblies.

Endpoint brace assemblies consist of an angled cross brace and a top horizontal brace connecting the post tops.

The angled brace extends from the bottom of the second-to-last line post to the top of the endpoint line post.

This arrangement prevents the endpoint line post from being pulled inward and helps maintain fence tension.

A properly tensioned fence enhances both aesthetics and longevity.

Usually, a turnbuckle is employed at the opposite angle of the endpoint posts’ cross braces. This provides added security and enables future tension adjustments if needed.

Excluding the turnbuckle compromises the second line post. Fence tension pulls on the endpoint line post’s top, pushing the bottom and causing the entire fence line’s tension to diminish.

A brief clarification may be helpful regarding turnbuckles. Turnbuckles require at least two loops of fencing wire and can feature either an actual hardware-based tensioning device or a short stick, around a foot long. Twisting the wires together using this stick increases tension, which can be maintained by leaving the stick in the twisted wire for future adjustments.

Irrespective of the chosen fencing type, employing tensioning systems is crucial when working with wire mesh. Even if posts are cemented, they can still be compromised without the described bracing system.

Adopting long-lasting installation techniques simplifies maintenance once the work is complete.

3. Prioritize Low-Maintenance Fencing

Maintenance costs can escalate when you attempt to cut corners and rush through fence construction. Investing in quality upfront and considering long-term upkeep expenses is essential.

Steel materials are virtually maintenance-free, eliminating the need for a dedicated maintenance budget.

Wood posts might require replacement due to rot if not properly maintained or primed.

Your choice between wood and steel should also account for the type of soil in which the posts are set. In loose sandy soils, thicker wooden posts are advisable for increased longevity.

In soil with finer particles, posts are easier to remove and replace, retaining the hole’s shape. A sagging fence presents costly challenges.

4. Opt for Easy Installation

The most cost-effective and durable combination for deer fencing comprises galvanized steel wire and T-posts.

Installing wood posts by digging or using augers, pouring concrete, or applying tar incurs higher time and monetary costs compared to employing a simple hammer driver, protective ear gear, and T-posts.

Wood posts necessitate more (expensive) tools and labor for the job, either in the form of machinery or extensive manual effort.

Mesh netting and T-posts are also easy to install. However, mesh netting tends to have a shorter lifespan and is less effective compared to steel wire.

5. Choose High-Value Materials

When considering future property value, decide whether to dismantle and relocate your fencing material or invest in a fence to enhance the property’s worth.

If you plan to reside in a deer-prone area at your new location and require deer exclusion, steel fencing and T-posts can be easily disassembled and transferred. The ability to transport your fence to a new site adds significant value.

For regions where adding a fence can boost property value, particularly for privacy or aesthetic reasons, a more permanent fence type should be considered.

A fence that maximizes value is one that is visually appealing, well-constructed, and built to last.

For those primarily concerned with safeguarding a garden wherever they relocate, selecting a fence that can be easily disassembled and transported is recommended.

Steel posts offer optimal flexibility for removal and reuse. Removing and reusing wood posts is most effective within the first five years of installation. Beyond that, the fence should ideally remain untouched.

Efficient post removal depends on proper installation methods and ground conditions.

6. Accurately Calculate Material Quantities

Underestimating material needs can lead to unnecessary expenses, potentially more significant than overbuying.

When constructing a deer fence for your garden, having a bit of extra material can often prove beneficial, as surplus material can be repurposed for plant trellises and other projects.

In contrast, purchasing too little material, such as a fence roll insufficient for the perimeter, might force you to acquire a larger quantity, as these rolls usually come in larger sizes.

Determine the appropriate post spacing based on your chosen material.

For instance, plastic mesh netting requires fewer T-posts with wider spacing compared to steel wire. The weight of steel wire demands closer post spacing to handle the weight and tension.

As a general guideline, space deer fence posts 10-15 feet apart for steel wire fencing. Lightweight polypropylene netting can accommodate posts spaced up to 20 feet apart.

For optimal savings:

• Identify the corners of your garden where fencing will be installed.
• Measure the distances accurately
• Select post spacing that ensures uniform spacing for all posts.

For example, if one side extends 70 feet, you could opt for a post spacing of either 10 feet (requiring 7 posts) or 14 feet (requiring 5 posts).

Given this scenario, you might choose a 14-foot spacing for wooden posts or a 10-foot spacing for steel T-posts.

7. Make Timely Purchases and Hiring Decisions

Materials tend to be more affordable during the off-season,

 and hiring contractors, if necessary, can be easier when they are more available.

Pay attention to pricing fluctuations during on-season and off-season periods, and consider purchasing steel wire when prices are lower.

While you can’t install a fence in icy or snowy conditions, the warmer winter months still provide ample time for DIY installation.

Contractors, if enlisted, are also likely to offer more competitive rates during periods of lower demand.

8. Source Used Steel Fencing and T-Posts

Scour online marketplaces, farm suppliers, and establish connections with farmers to locate used deer fencing materials and T-posts.

We managed to acquire 8-foot T-posts for our deer fence at half the cost of new ones through diligent search efforts.

9. Craft Your Own Gate from Recycled Pallets

Pallets can be obtained for free from lumber yards, garden centers, and places that receive large shipments.

Heat-treated pallets are suitable for garden use, devoid of bright paint, and labeled with an “HT” stamp.

As wood prices rise, free pallets offer an abundant and cost-effective source of lumber. These pallets can be disassembled and repurposed using the available wood.

10. Avoid Excessive Post Spacing

Cutting costs by spacing posts too far apart can result in a weakened and ultimately ineffective fence.

A sturdy fence relies on proper post spacing, considering the strength and weight of the materials being used.

11. Don’t Sacrifice Fence Height to Cut Costs

Attempting to save money by opting for a shorter fence can lead to disappointment. We discovered this firsthand when we reused 4-foot steel fencing with unsatisfactory results.

Despite our efforts to raise the fence by a foot and reinforce the top with wire, the 2 strands of wire placed 1 foot apart didn’t deter deer. Consequently, we lost numerous plants.

Deer can easily crawl under an 8-inch space, and while they are capable of jumping 7 or even 8 feet, they are less likely to risk an 8-foot fence due to limited visibility.

If constructing a taller fence proves challenging due to availability or budget constraints, always choose the tallest option possible. Any fence offers some level of protection and can be further reinforced for height in alternative ways. However, avoid raising the fence from the ground to increase its height, as deer are more likely to crawl over than jump in such scenarios.

12. Harvest or Source Salvageable Wood Posts

Incorporate salvaged wood posts obtained from old buildings or barns for an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.

If acquiring wood from your own property isn’t feasible, consider reaching out to property owners with disused structures. You might offer your assistance in exchange for access to scrap materials.

If you have access to trees, fresh-cut wood can be fashioned into custom-sized posts with minimal expense, primarily requiring time and essential tools.

Even if you lack personal access to wood sources, research regulations regarding tree cutting on public land and consider foraging your own posts.

When felling trees, focus on selecting hardwood species known for durability to ensure long-lasting posts.

If sourcing your own wood is impractical, platforms like Facebook Marketplace often feature reasonably priced wood posts. Many loggers sell posts at lower rates than traditional retail outlets.

13. Preserve Wood Posts Effectively

As a bonus tip for wood post longevity, seal them using traditional methods like tar application. However, take care to consider the potential impact on soil and plant health.

Pine tar, for instance, might contain creosote and is generally not recommended for garden applications. However, if your fence won’t be surrounded by cultivated areas, pine tar can be used to protect wooden fence posts.

Apply the tar only up to the level where the posts will be set in the ground.

Coat the posts with several layers of pine tar following the application instructions and allow sufficient drying time.

Sealing the wood from ground contact using this method can significantly extend the posts’ lifespan, saving you both time and money on potential replacements.

Remember, a budget-friendly fence is one built to last. Prioritize durability and effectiveness through careful planning, material selection, and proper installation. Investing additional time and effort in the beginning can lead to substantial savings in the short and long term.

If wood posts remain unsealed, expect to replace them within 5 to 12 years, depending on wood type and condition. Our decision not to seal our wood posts was influenced by our abundance of wood resources and the ease of replacement, though at a higher cost. This approach was feasible because our posts are located within a garden area.