Cheap deer fence

[NS Gearhead]

This spring I built two 30' raised beds and planted blackberries on the right and raspberries on the left.


It seems they're a tasty treat for deer, and I suspect, porcupines too. I've tried every type of sent and noise deterant I can think of... and they've failed, so it's time to bite the bullet and build a fence. Seeing as how these rows sit on rock (hence, the raised beds), digging down to set posts isn't realistic. This is also about 500' away from the house on an ATV trail. So, I've built a log perimiter as the base. I had to shorten the rows about 5' in order to line up a big tree on one corner and to allow room to pass between the fence and the end of the rows to get to the outside of them.




I picked up some 1" galvanized chedule 40 pipe off kijiji for $50. Enough for 11 8' lengths. This will do the 3 corners, with two posts/ side. 8' 4" between posts.
Cut to length
\

Picked up a 1 1/4" spade bit with 12" extension


First test hole


It was tight! The pipe is 1.3something" OD. I beveled the edge quite and bit and it took some pounding with a 4lb mini maul to get it in.

So, knowing that I wanted to cap the tops of the pipes to keep water out, I made a little tool to keep the ends from mushrooming when getting pounded in.
Found this in the scrap pile. Nice tight fit.










Decided to try 1 3/8" so picked up another spade bit. Also, caps and straps. The straps are for 2X4s I'll put along the top and probably mid-way.


The larger hole was ok.... I could push the pipe in... but it allowed for some wiggle. I'd rather spend half a day pounding pipe in knowing that it's never coming back out or wiggling.


Caps are a hammer fit, as long as I grind a bevel. At least I won't need glue!



I've got a generator from a buddy, and I plan to go do some drilling today! Not sure on what netting I'll be putting up. I'm wondering if I should put some heavy duty rabbit type wire screen on the bottom 4' and just use single strand wire every 6" for the top 4'. I guess I'll just see what the costs are like when I go to the farm supply store.

 

[PAGUY]

Any thought as to how you will be able to access the berries once they ripen?

PA-GUY

 

[Ford850]

I've used the 7' light weight plastic mesh (1/2" squares) that is sold as Deer Fence, and it's worked well. You could use that as an inexpensive solution that might turn out to be a permanent one. If it were me, I would put it up even with the top of the posts, and then add chicken wire fence along the bottom to keep porcupines from chewing through.

 

[NS Gearhead]

Any thought as to how you will be able to access the berries once they ripen?

PA-GUY

Of course. There will be a man sized door on the trail side. Likely made out of 2x4s.

 

[NS Gearhead]

I've used the 7' light weight plastic mesh (1/2" squares) that is sold as Deer Fence, and it's worked well. You could use that as an inexpensive solution that might turn out to be a permanent one. If it were me, I would put it up even with the top of the posts, and then add chicken wire fence along the bottom to keep porcupines from chewing through.

I've seen this locally for $50... but when I talked to one lady that worked there she told me that when she zip tied one to rebar posts that the netting would sometimes break just from the zip ties.... didn't give me much confidence that it'll hold up. I like the idea of that plus chicken wire though. I'll keep that as an option.

 

[NS Gearhead]

quick sketch of what it looks like from above;

 

[EddieWalker]

Interesting concept putting the pipe through the logs. I hope they don't rot on you too quickly. Whey didn't you attach the fencing to your existing trees?

 

[NS Gearhead]

Interesting concept putting the pipe through the logs. I hope they don't rot on you too quickly. Whey didn't you attach the fencing to your existing trees?

I suppose I could have strung some wire up and held the netting up with that... but it would have interfeard with the trail and there really aren't many trees lined up well or big enough. Logs seem to last a fair while around here, and they are laying of broken up rock so they'll get a chance to dry between rains. I'd give this 10 years before I have to start thinking of something else... maybe 15. Next time I'll drill down into the rock. I just don't have the time or money this time around.

 

[nybirdman]

A solar powered electric fence would have been a lot less work and more effective.At least for the deer.

 

[NS Gearhead]

A solar powered electric fence would have been a lot less work and more effective.At least for the deer.

I don't mind putting in the work.