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Deer-Proofing Your Garden: The Dilemma with Fences and Finding Reliable Solutions
Gardens are a sanctuary for many homeowners—a place where you can grow your favorite flowers, produce fresh vegetables, and create a serene space for relaxation. However, for those living in areas populated by deer, this sanctuary can quickly become a banquet for these gentle creatures. While they may be a sight to behold, deer can decimate a garden overnight, nibbling on tender shoots, flowers, and even mature vegetables.
The Issue with Fences
When it comes to keeping deer out of gardens, most people immediately think of fences. While fences can be effective to some extent, they're not a foolproof solution. Deer, especially when motivated by hunger, are incredible jumpers. A fully grown white-tailed deer, for instance, can clear a fence of 7 feet with relative ease.
Many homeowners might settle for shorter fences, thinking that a 4 to 5-foot barrier should be enough to deter a deer. Unfortunately, they often discover that these barriers are merely an inconvenience for the deer, rather than a true deterrent.
The Fishing Line Method
In an attempt to create a more discreet and less obtrusive barrier, some innovative gardeners have turned to the fishing line method. This approach involves setting up fishing lines at varying heights around the garden's perimeter, attaching to an existing fence structure or suspended using new posts When deer come into contact with these lines, they're caught off guard and often retreat, not understanding the nature of the obstacle.
While this sounds promising, there are drawbacks to this method. Monofilament fishing line, especially when exposed to the elements, becomes brittle over time. Sun, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations can weaken the line, making it prone to snapping. Additionally, should a determined deer or another animal push through with enough force, the fishing line will break, leaving your garden vulnerable once again.
Rocket-Fibers Solution
Our UHMWPE cord is the ideal line to boost performance of the Fishing Line Method. With a larger diameter than a traditional monofilament fishing line, the deer will more clearly see the barrier. We also suggest trying colored stretchy tape or flags to the line to make the line even more visible. Our lines also have much more strength and abrasion resistance than a monofilament fishing line or metal wire, and will last for multiple seasons. Check out the excellent videos below for more information and ideas on how to construct a true deer proof enclosure.
