Gopher wire is a specialized mesh product engineered to create a durable, subterranean barrier against burrowing pests like gophers, moles, and voles. These small mammals damage gardens and landscaping by feeding on plant roots and creating extensive tunnel networks. The wire acts as a physical exclusion method, stopping pests from accessing protected areas without chemical repellents or traps. This article explores the composition, characteristics, and practical uses of gopher wire to safeguard cultivated areas from underground intrusion.
Physical Characteristics of Gopher Wire
Gopher wire’s function is determined by its mesh size, typically 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch. This aperture size allows water and nutrients to pass freely to plant roots, yet is small enough to physically block the passage of gophers and moles. Selecting a size within this range ensures maximum protection while maintaining a healthy environment for root systems.
The material choice impacts the barrier’s lifespan and effectiveness. Most gopher wire is made from galvanized steel, treated with a zinc coating to resist rust and corrosion in the soil. For maximum longevity, stainless steel offers superior resistance to decay, though it comes at a higher material cost.
The wire’s gauge, or thickness, contributes to its long-term durability. Thicker wires (indicated by a lower gauge number) are more difficult for pests to chew through or bend, maintaining the barrier’s structural integrity. A robust gauge ensures the mesh can withstand the constant pressure and moisture beneath the soil surface.
Common Applications for Pest Control
The mesh is commonly used to line the base of raised garden beds. Gophers tunnel horizontally and vertically, so a barrier at the bottom prevents upward intrusion into the root zone. Fully covering the soil beneath the structure forms a complete enclosure, isolating the plants from underground threats. This creates a permanent, passive barrier against established tunnel networks in the surrounding landscape.
For individual vulnerable plantings, such as young fruit trees or expensive shrubs, the wire is formed into planting baskets. These custom-sized containers are placed directly into the planting hole, surrounding the root ball to prevent gophers from feeding on the tender roots. The mesh’s flexibility allows it to be shaped, providing localized, long-term protection for high-value specimens.
A third method involves laying sheets of gopher wire horizontally beneath new sod or turf areas. This creates a broad, continuous subterranean shield across the entire lawn. This is effective in areas with high gopher activity where the primary concern is damage caused by surface mounding and tunneling beneath the grass roots. The wire provides a physical deterrent that prevents pests from pushing soil or their bodies up through the grass.
Essential Installation Techniques
Handling gopher wire requires safety precautions due to the sharp edges created when cut. Heavy-duty gloves are necessary to protect hands during manipulation and placement. Standard tin snips or heavy-gauge wire cutters are the appropriate tools for cleanly cutting the steel mesh to size.
Joining Multiple Sheets
When covering a large area, multiple sheets of wire must be joined together. Overlap adjacent sections by a minimum of six inches to ensure there are no gaps large enough for a gopher to squeeze through. Securing the overlapped edges with hog rings or similar fasteners creates a seamless and impenetrable barrier.
Trenching and Aprons
For perimeter trenching applications, the wire barrier must be buried deep enough to prevent gophers from tunneling underneath. Experts recommend the wire extend at least 18 to 24 inches below the soil surface. A portion should be bent outward at the bottom to form an L-shape, which acts as a deterrent apron discouraging downward tunneling attempts.
Creating Planting Baskets
Creating planting baskets involves cutting a square or rectangular piece and carefully folding the sides up. Secure the vertical seams by bending the cut wire ends over the adjacent piece. Ensure the bottom corners and side seams are tightly closed, as a small opening compromises the protection of the root ball.