Deer are beautiful and majestic creatures, but they can also cause considerable damage to your New Jersey property. To protect your investment from browsing deer, installing a quality deer fence is essential. Deer fencing offers an effective solution that will keep the animals and since they are practically invisible from a distance, they don’t block the view of your landscape.
This article will discuss why deer fences are so important in protecting properties in NJ and how to choose the right one for your needs. With this information, you’ll be able to make the best decision for keeping your property safe from browsing deer damage!
What Causes Deer Browsing Damage?
The primary cause of deer browsing damage is the increasing density of local New Jersey deer populations.
Deer are naturally drawn to areas with plenty of food and shelter, so when their population grows too large for their environment, they will search out food sources wherever they can find them. This often means that they turn to gardens and landscaping as a source of sustenance, resulting in significant damage to trees, shrubs, flowers, and other vegetation.
In addition to overpopulation issues, poor land management practices can also contribute to excessive deer browsing damage. For example, if a homeowner purposely tries to attract deer to their property by putting out salt licks or purchased feed it can encourage deer to access plants and landscape installations in your neighborhood. Additionally, some landowners choose to plant certain vegetation that appeals to local deer populations for any number of reasons. Maybe the shrub has berries that attracts birds, or the pink blooms look lovely against the color of the house, or the hostas were the same ones planted in their mother’s yard growing up. This can create unnatural concentrations of certain types of vegetation that may not be able to withstand heavy grazing from the local herd.
What Can Be Done About Deer Browsing Damage?
What Is Deer Fencing?
Deer fencing is a type of mesh fence specifically designed to keep out ungulates (hoofed animals) like deer and elk. It is usually made of plastic or metal mesh that has small openings—typically 1 to 2 inches in size—so that the deer cannot fit their heads through them and gain access to the enclosed area. The height of the fence also varies depending on the type of animal you’re trying to keep out, but most fences are at least 8 feet tall to prevent any jumping over.
Benefits of Deer Fencing
The main benefit of using deer fencing is that it will protect your plants, trees, and other vegetation from being eaten by these animals. This can be especially helpful if you have an orchard or garden that you don’t want destroyed by hungry deer. In addition, it can help keep the deer away from areas where they might pose a risk to humans or livestock, such as near roads or farm buildings.
Another benefit of installing deer fencing is that it can help reduce the spread of disease between wild and domestic animals. By keeping wild animals away from livestock, farmers and ranchers are able to reduce their risk of diseases like bovine tuberculosis being spread between species. Finally, some areas may require homeowners and businesses to install fences in order to comply with local regulations concerning wildlife management practices. If this applies in your area, then installing a properly-constructed fence can help you stay compliant with those rules while still protecting your property from unwanted visitors.
Alternate Materials To Use For Your Deer Fence
Contrary to popular belief there are lots of different fencing materials you can use for your deer fence. These are some of the most safe and popular options for keeping deer out.
Wooden Fences
Wooden fences are one of the most popular choices for deer fencing. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and provide a natural aesthetic for any yard or garden. Wooden fences are also very durable and can last for several years with minimal maintenance. The main downside to wooden fences is that they are susceptible to rot, mold, and damage from insects and weather if not treated properly.
Metal Fences
Metal welded wire fences are another popular option when it comes to deer fencing. A metal fence is strong and durable, making them ideal for keeping out larger animals such as deer. They also require minimal maintenance, although they may need to be repainted every few years in order to maintain their appearance. The downside to metal fences is that they can be more expensive than wood or vinyl options.
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is a great choice if you want a low-maintenance option that still looks good and provides plenty of protection against deer intrusion. Vinyl fences come in a variety of styles and colors, making it easy to find something that fits with your landscaping design. The downside to vinyl fencing is that it may not be as strong or durable as metal or wooden fences, so it may not stand up as well against severe weather conditions or strong winds.
Deer Fence Maintenance and Repair Considerations
Debris Clearance
Deer fences can quickly become clogged with debris over time, so it’s important to regularly clear any debris that might accumulate on the surface of the fence. Leaves, branches and other natural debris can all interfere with the effectiveness of your deer fence if left unchecked. To prevent this from happening, use a soft-bristled brush or hand-held vacuum to remove any loose material that accumulates on the surface of the fence. You can also periodically use a pressure washer on low setting to help remove stubborn dirt or grime that may have built up over time.
Repairs and Replacement Parts
Just like any other piece of outdoor equipment, your deer fence will need repairs over time. It’s important to check for signs of damage such as holes or tears in the material at least once every two months. If you spot any damage in the fabric of your deer fence, you should consider replacing the damaged section as soon as possible in order to ensure that it remains effective against unwanted visitors such as deer or other animals. Additionally, make sure to replace any broken or missing parts such as posts or clips when needed in order to keep things functioning properly.
Regular Inspections
It is also important to inspect your deer fence at least once every six months for signs of wear and tear or damage caused by external factors such as extreme weather conditions. During these inspections, look for any weak points where the material has been stretched too far or worn away due to excessive use or exposure to harsh elements such as rain or snow. Make sure to repair any issues identified during these inspections in order to maintain optimal performance from your deer fencing system over time.
Final Thoughts About Using Deer Fence To Protect Your New Jersey Property
Deer fence is an effective way to protect your NJ property from damage caused by deer browsing. With a variety of materials available for use in constructing the fence and regular maintenance and repair considerations, you can ensure that it remains strong and secure over time.
Don’t forget to inspect your fence regularly for signs of wear or damage so that you can make any necessary repairs right away. By taking these steps, you will be able to keep unwanted visitors at bay while also protecting your garden or yard from costly browsing damages!
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