Fencing is the only sure-fire way to keep wild and domestic animals out of a prized garden. Although it can be expensive to keep out large animals, such as deer, it may be the only way to protect your yard from costly damage. Here are some points to keep in mind: 1. Fences work best when the animal doesn't know what it's protecting. A hungry animal that knows food is available will try harder to get through any fence. Solid fences provide a visual block so they don't know what they're missing . 2. Electric fences are more expensive and need maintenance, but they make less of an impact on your view and can be more effective than solid fences. Electric fences work best if animals know they are "hot". Smear peanut butter on the fence as soon as you put it up to entice animals to get shocked. They'll be less likely to test the fence again. Keep vegetation from touching the fence. It will reduce its charge or ground it out. 3. Check local ordinances on building fences. Large fences may block desired views or violate codes. 4. Build the fence to fit the animal. Below is a list of animals with design tips to foil them.
