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Most people with large landscaping investments around here fence their property with 8' deer fence. This can be hidden from view in most cases. In certain situations, however, 8' fencing would detract too much from the view, and I've heard professionals recommend the installation of two parallel 4' fences 4' apart. The outer fence is typically some kind of wire mesh, while the inner one is described as merely two horizontal wires about 2' apart, running from post to post. The theory is not only that the deer can see the horizontal wires and fear that they can't jump across the distance, but that they also will not jump into the narrow space contained between the fences.

I have done some research online on the effectiveness of such a setup, but have been disappointed in how little info I've found.

So, does this setup work, or not? And are there specifications for setting up an effective double fence?

J. Musser
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That Idiot
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2 Answers2

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Yes, this works quite well. It's more work to put in, but if as you say it is necessary for aesthetic reasons not to have an 8' fence, go ahead. The specifications you have are good, but I'd like to add that using aluminum wire for the inside is far better than other things, as it never rusts, and is much easier for deer to see even than galvanized steel. It doesn't have to be much guage-wise, but it is important that these lines are highly visible to the deer. Using bright colored wire won't help, as deer are colorblind.

It will also be important to keep vegetation off both fences, for the same reason, and keep the inner lines in good repair, because it it comes down, and the deer get in the habit of jumping in that area, and then you put it back, you're likely to have it taken down by a flying deer (not to mention the effects this can have on the deer).

J. Musser
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In my heavy deer area I've had the best luck with a 6' deer fence or 4' that is combined with taller vegetation (shrubs, trees etc). I've consulted with neighbors who have double 4' fences that are spaces apart, usually with vegetation between them, and they have had mixed results. People assert deer won't jump a double fence between the fear of getting trapped inside, but if the inside fence sways, rips, etc. there is no stopping the deer

I have found that the best way to stop deer is to block line of sight as deer will not jump without seeing what's on the other side. A 6' wood fence does this well.

Your method should work because the deer can't/won't jump 4' high AND a given distance far. I'm not sure if that's 4' and 2' or 4' and 3' but some combination should work provided there is no good landing spot between the fences.

MisterTamper
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