Deer netting, typically a flexible poly-mesh material, is a common solution for homeowners seeking to prevent deer from accessing gardens, landscaping, or young trees. Whether this method succeeds depends less on the material itself and more on the precision of the installation. For those wondering if this affordable option is a viable solution, the answer lies in understanding the strict requirements for its deployment.
The Physical Requirements for Success
The effectiveness of deer netting hinges entirely on creating a vertical barrier that deer are unwilling to attempt to jump. Whitetail deer, the most common species in North America, are capable of clearing obstacles up to seven feet high from a standstill. Therefore, the minimum height for successful deer exclusion netting must be at least seven and a half feet, with eight feet being the optimal and most reliable height to discourage jumping.
This extreme height requires a robust support system, since the lightweight mesh lacks inherent rigidity. Fence posts, whether wood or metal, must be securely anchored into the ground and spaced no more than 16 to 33 feet apart to maintain tension. Tension lines, often made of strong monofilament wire, should be threaded along the top, middle, and bottom of the fence.
The mesh size must be small enough to deter entry. Most professional-grade poly-mesh netting features openings around 1.75 inches by 2 inches. The black color of the mesh blends into the background, making it difficult for deer to perceive the exact height and depth of the barrier. This visual confusion is a psychological deterrent, but it only works if the bottom of the fence is securely anchored to the ground using ground stakes or by folding four to six inches of the material outward along the soil line.
Practical Drawbacks and Maintenance
While poly-mesh netting is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, its material properties present ongoing maintenance challenges. The material is prone to damage from environmental factors. Although treated with UV inhibitors, the polypropylene will eventually degrade from sun exposure, leading to a typical lifespan of five to eight years before it becomes brittle and tears easily.
The low tensile strength of the mesh means it is highly susceptible to damage from falling branches, high winds, or heavy snow and ice loads. Tears in the mesh must be repaired immediately, as deer will quickly exploit any opening they find. The aesthetic advantage of the nearly invisible mesh is offset by the visual impact of the necessary eight-foot-tall support posts.
The safety risk to the deer themselves is a concern, particularly for bucks during the fall rutting season. The thin, flexible nature of the netting can lead to entanglement, especially when a buck rubs its antlers against the barrier. Deer caught in the mesh can panic, resulting in severe injury or death. Homeowners must regularly inspect the fence line for breaches or trapped wildlife.
Comparing Netting to Other Exclusion Methods
Rigid fencing, such as woven wire or high-tensile metal wire, represents the gold standard for permanent, high-security installations. These fences are more durable, often lasting two decades or more, and provide a greater physical deterrent against determined deer. The tradeoff for rigid fencing is the substantially higher initial cost and the intensive labor required for post-setting and tensioning.
Repellents, which rely on foul tastes or odors, offer a low-cost, short-term solution. Unlike a physical barrier, repellents rely on behavioral conditioning, but their effectiveness diminishes quickly, requiring reapplication after rain or every few days. For small areas or temporary deterrence, they are a practical choice.
Electric fencing, which uses a mild shock to deter deer, is a third alternative that involves a lower visual profile than a tall physical fence. These systems function as psychological barriers, training deer to avoid the area after an initial negative contact. Electric fences are most effective when properly baited to ensure the deer learn to associate the wire with a shock, but they can fail during power outages and require constant monitoring to ensure the charge remains consistent. Netting remains the best choice for protecting small, non-permanent areas where low cost and low visual impact are prioritized over the long-term durability and security of a metal barrier.