adding chicken wire to bottom of fence

Adding Chicken Wire to the Bottom of Your Fence A Practical Guide

Fencing plays a vital role in protecting your garden and livestock from unwanted visitors while also keeping your pets safely contained. However, even the most sturdy fence can have its weaknesses, especially when it comes to smaller animals that can squeeze through gaps or dig underneath. One effective solution to this common problem is to add chicken wire to the bottom of your fence. This straightforward addition can enhance security and peace of mind for any property owner.

Why Use Chicken Wire?

Chicken wire, also known as hexagonal wire mesh, is a versatile and durable material usually made from galvanized steel. Its open weave construction makes it lightweight yet robust, which is essential for applications like strengthening your fence. Here are a few reasons why adding chicken wire to your fence is a wise investment

1. Prevents Digging Many animals, such as rabbits, raccoons, and even dogs, are skilled diggers. By adding chicken wire at the bottom, you can prevent these animals from burrowing under the fence and entering your property.

2. Keeps Small Animals Out Besides digging, some smaller creatures can easily slip through the gaps of a traditional fence. Chicken wire’s tight weave ensures that even the tiniest pests are kept at bay, protecting your garden and any pets you may have.

3. Cost-Effective Chicken wire is an affordable fencing option. It’s much cheaper than other materials, making it an economical way to enhance existing fences without a significant investment.

4. Easy to Install Adding chicken wire to your fence is a straightforward DIY project that requires minimal tools. You won’t need specialized skills; a few basic supplies and some time are all you need to fortify your boundary.

Installation Process

If you've decided to improve your fencing with chicken wire, here's a simple installation guide to help you through the process

1. Gather Your Materials You will need rolls of chicken wire, wire cutters, fencing staples or nails, a hammer, and a measuring tape. Make sure to choose a chicken wire with appropriate height and strength for your needs.

2. Measure and Prepare Before starting, measure the length of the section where you will install the chicken wire. It’s essential to prepare the ground to ensure that the chicken wire is installed securely. Remove any debris, rocks, or weeds in the area where you plan to place the wire.

3. Cut the Chicken Wire Using your wire cutters, cut the chicken wire to the length needed for your fence. Aim to make it slightly taller than the desired height to allow it to be buried a bit for extra security.

4. Attach the Chicken Wire Align the top edge of the chicken wire with the bottom of your fence. Use fencing staples or nails to secure the wire firmly along the fence line, ensuring there are no gaps at the corners or edges.

5. Bury the Bottom Edge For additional security against digging, bury the bottom edge of the chicken wire a few inches into the ground. This will minimize the chance of animals trying to dig underneath it.

6. Secure the Ends Make sure the ends of the chicken wire are tightly connected to the existing fence. You can use additional staples or ties to secure the vertical edges.

Conclusion

Adding chicken wire to the bottom of your fence is a practical and efficient way to enhance security while maintaining your garden and protecting your pets. With its affordability and ease of installation, this project can be completed quickly and promises long-lasting results. By implementing this simple solution, you can create a safer and more secure environment for your property, ensuring that it remains a peaceful oasis free from unwanted visitors. Whether you’re safeguarding plants from pests or keeping a beloved pet from escaping, chicken wire can be a valuable addition to your fencing strategy.