Claire Thompson
Burying chicken wire under a fence is an effective method to prevent animals like rabbits, gophers, and other burrowing pests from digging underneath and gaining access to your property. This technique involves trenching along the base of the fence, laying the chicken wire flat, and securing it in place before backfilling the soil. By extending the wire both horizontally and vertically, it creates a barrier that deters digging while remaining discreet and minimally disruptive to the landscape. Proper installation ensures long-term protection for gardens, lawns, and other areas vulnerable to pest intrusion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Deter digging animals (e.g., dogs, rabbits) from burrowing under fences |
| Materials Needed | Chicken wire, wire cutters, gloves, shovel, stakes (optional) |
| Chicken Wire Type | Galvanized (rust-resistant), hardware cloth (for smaller animals) |
| Mesh Size | 1 inch or smaller (depending on animal size) |
| Depth to Bury | 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) below ground level |
| Width of Wire | Extend 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) outward from fence base |
| Installation Steps | 1. Dig trench along fence line. 2. Lay chicken wire in trench, bending outward at 90-degree angle. 3. Secure wire with stakes or bury edges. 4. Backfill trench with soil. |
| Maintenance | Inspect periodically for damage or rust; replace as needed |
| Effectiveness | High against digging animals when installed correctly |
| Cost | Low to moderate (depends on fence length and wire type) |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal (galvanized wire is long-lasting, reduces need for frequent repairs) |
| Alternatives | Concrete barriers, electric fencing, or landscape barriers |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparing the Trench: Dig a trench along the fence line, ensuring it’s deep enough to bury the wire
- Measuring Chicken Wire: Cut the wire to fit the fence length, allowing extra for overlap
- Securing the Wire: Attach the wire to the fence base using staples or zip ties for stability
- Backfilling the Trench: Cover the buried wire with soil, compacting it to prevent shifting
- Testing for Security: Check the wire’s placement to ensure it deters digging pests effectively
Preparing the Trench: Dig a trench along the fence line, ensuring it’s deep enough to bury the wire
Digging a trench for chicken wire is a critical step in securing your fence against burrowing pests. The depth of the trench directly impacts the effectiveness of this barrier, so precision is key. Aim for a trench at least 12 inches deep, but consider going deeper—up to 18 inches—if you’re dealing with persistent diggers like rabbits or gophers. This depth ensures the wire is buried far enough to deter animals from tunneling underneath while remaining shallow enough to avoid unnecessary labor.
The process begins with marking your fence line clearly. Use spray paint or stakes to outline the path, ensuring it runs parallel to the fence. Once marked, grab a shovel or a trenching tool designed for narrow cuts. For longer fence lines, a manual trenching shovel or a powered trencher can save time and effort, though the latter requires caution to avoid damaging underground utilities. Always call your local utility locator service before starting to dig, especially if you’re using mechanized tools.
As you dig, focus on creating a consistent depth and width. The trench should be wide enough to accommodate the chicken wire comfortably—typically 6 to 8 inches. This allows room to maneuver the wire into place without bending or damaging it. If the soil is particularly rocky or compacted, consider loosening it with a pickaxe before digging. Keep the excavated soil nearby; you’ll need it to backfill the trench once the wire is installed.
While digging, pay attention to the terrain. Sloping or uneven ground may require adjustments to maintain a uniform trench depth. On slopes, dig the trench level across the incline rather than following the natural grade. This ensures the wire remains straight and effective. For areas with tree roots or large rocks, carefully work around these obstacles, ensuring the wire remains intact and buried at the proper depth.
Finally, inspect the trench before laying the chicken wire. Remove any debris, such as rocks or roots, that could compromise the wire’s integrity. A clean, smooth trench not only makes installation easier but also ensures the wire functions as intended. Remember, the goal is to create a seamless barrier that animals cannot breach, so take the time to prepare the trench meticulously. This step, though labor-intensive, is the foundation of a successful fence reinforcement project.
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Measuring Chicken Wire: Cut the wire to fit the fence length, allowing extra for overlap
Accurate measurement is the cornerstone of any successful fencing project, especially when burying chicken wire to deter burrowing pests. Begin by assessing the total length of your fence line, factoring in any curves or irregularities. Use a measuring tape to record the distance, ensuring precision to avoid material waste or shortages. Remember, it’s better to overestimate than to fall short mid-project.
Once you have the fence length, calculate the amount of chicken wire needed. A common rule of thumb is to add 10-15% extra material to account for overlap and cutting errors. For example, if your fence is 100 feet long, plan for 110-115 feet of chicken wire. This buffer ensures seamless coverage and allows for adjustments during installation.
Cutting the wire requires careful technique to maintain its integrity. Use heavy-duty wire cutters designed for poultry or hardware cloth. Measure and mark the wire with a permanent marker or chalk, then cut along the line, ensuring straight edges. For curved fence lines, measure and cut in smaller sections to match the contour, allowing for slight overlap at each joint.
Overlap is critical for creating a continuous barrier against pests. Aim for a minimum of 6-8 inches of overlap where sections meet, securing them with galvanized wire or zip ties. This prevents gaps that animals could exploit. When burying the wire, ensure the overlap is flush with the ground to maintain a uniform barrier.
Finally, consider the depth at which you’ll bury the wire. A depth of 12-18 inches is typically sufficient to deter most burrowing animals. Measure and mark this depth along the fence line before digging, ensuring consistency. By combining precise measurement, strategic cutting, and thoughtful overlap, you’ll create a robust underground barrier that protects your property effectively.
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Securing the Wire: Attach the wire to the fence base using staples or zip ties for stability
Attaching chicken wire to the fence base is a critical step in burying it effectively. Staples and zip ties are the most common methods, each with distinct advantages. Staples, typically galvanized to resist rust, offer a permanent and robust solution. Use a staple gun designed for fencing to drive 1.5-inch staples through the wire and into the wooden fence base, spacing them every 6 to 12 inches for maximum stability. Zip ties, on the other hand, are ideal for temporary installations or when working with non-wooden fences. Choose UV-resistant zip ties to prevent degradation from sunlight, and secure them every 8 to 10 inches, tightening firmly but not so tight as to damage the wire.
The choice between staples and zip ties often depends on the fence material and long-term goals. For wooden fences, staples provide a seamless, professional finish, blending into the structure. However, for chain-link or vinyl fences, zip ties are more versatile, as they can be easily attached without drilling or altering the fence. When using staples, ensure the wire is taut to avoid sagging, which can create gaps for pests to exploit. With zip ties, double them up at corners or stress points for added strength, as these areas are prone to wear and tear.
A practical tip is to pre-attach the wire to the fence before burying it, ensuring alignment and reducing on-the-ground adjustments. Lay the wire flat along the fence base, securing it incrementally as you go. This method not only saves time but also ensures consistent tension across the entire length. For uneven terrain, adjust the wire’s position slightly to maintain contact with the ground, stapling or tying it at varying heights as needed.
While both methods are effective, staples offer superior durability, especially in high-traffic areas or regions with burrowing pests. Zip ties, though less permanent, allow for easier removal or replacement of the wire if needed. Regardless of the method chosen, inspect the attachments periodically, particularly after extreme weather, to ensure they remain secure. Loose staples or degraded zip ties can compromise the entire system, rendering the buried wire ineffective.
In conclusion, securing chicken wire to the fence base with staples or zip ties is a straightforward yet essential task. Staples provide a long-lasting, discreet solution, while zip ties offer flexibility and ease of use. By selecting the appropriate method and following best practices, you can create a stable, pest-resistant barrier that enhances the effectiveness of burying the wire.
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Backfilling the Trench: Cover the buried wire with soil, compacting it to prevent shifting
Once the chicken wire is securely buried, the next critical step is backfilling the trench. This process isn’t just about covering the wire—it’s about ensuring stability, longevity, and effectiveness. Start by shoveling soil back into the trench in layers, each about 2–3 inches thick. Avoid dumping large amounts of soil at once, as this can dislodge the wire or create uneven coverage. Use a garden rake or tamper to compact each layer firmly. Proper compaction prevents the soil from settling unevenly, which could cause the wire to shift or expose weak points over time.
Compaction is both an art and a science. For small trenches, a hand tamper or the flat side of a shovel works well. For larger areas, consider renting a mechanical tamper to ensure uniform density. Aim for a compaction rate of at least 90%, which means the soil is nearly as dense as its natural state. Test this by pressing a screwdriver into the compacted soil—if it penetrates easily, compact further. Remember, loose soil invites burrowing pests and reduces the wire’s barrier effectiveness.
While backfilling, pay attention to the slope of the soil near the fence. Angle the soil slightly away from the fence line to encourage water runoff, reducing the risk of erosion or water pooling around the wire. This is especially crucial in areas prone to heavy rainfall or flooding. Incorporate a layer of gravel or sand at the base of the trench before adding soil to improve drainage, but ensure it doesn’t compromise the wire’s position.
A common mistake is rushing the backfilling process. Allow each compacted layer to settle for a few hours if possible, particularly in clay-heavy soils that retain moisture. If time is a constraint, lightly mist the soil with water to aid compaction without oversaturating it. Once the trench is filled and compacted, add a final layer of topsoil and reseed or replant to restore the area’s natural appearance. This not only blends the repair into the landscape but also protects the soil from erosion.
Finally, inspect the backfilled area periodically, especially after heavy rains or frost cycles, to ensure the soil hasn’t shifted. Minor settling is normal, but significant gaps or exposed wire require immediate attention. By mastering the backfilling process, you’ll create a durable barrier that deters pests and stands the test of time, making the effort well worth it.
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Testing for Security: Check the wire’s placement to ensure it deters digging pests effectively
Burying chicken wire under a fence is a proven method to deter digging pests, but its effectiveness hinges on precise placement. Testing the wire’s position before finalizing installation is critical to ensure it forms an impenetrable barrier. Begin by simulating pest behavior: use a garden trowel or small shovel to mimic digging along the fence line where the wire is buried. Observe whether the tool encounters resistance at the appropriate depth—typically 6 to 12 inches below ground level, depending on the pest. For example, rabbits may require shallower placement, while determined rodents like gophers might necessitate deeper installation.
Analyzing the wire’s orientation is equally important. Chicken wire should be bent outward at a 90-degree angle along the bottom edge, extending 6 to 12 inches horizontally away from the fence. This L-shaped configuration forces pests to dig upward, where the wire acts as a barrier, rather than simply tunneling under it. Test this by attempting to push the wire downward with the trowel. If it remains firmly in place, the angle is effective. If it shifts or bends, adjust the depth or angle and retest until it holds securely.
A comparative approach can further validate the wire’s effectiveness. Compare sections of the fence where wire is buried to areas without protection, observing for signs of digging over a two-week period. If unprotected areas show disturbance while wired sections remain intact, the placement is likely adequate. However, if pests breach the wired area, reassess depth and angle, ensuring the wire is buried consistently and extends far enough horizontally to deter tunneling.
Practical tips can enhance testing accuracy. Mark the wire’s position with temporary flags or spray paint to ensure consistent depth and angle throughout the fence line. For uneven terrain, adjust the wire’s depth incrementally to maintain a uniform barrier. Additionally, consider burying the wire in a trench filled with gravel or heavy soil, which adds resistance and makes digging more difficult for pests. Regularly inspect the fence line post-installation, especially after heavy rain or frost, as soil shifts can expose vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, testing chicken wire placement is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. By simulating pest behavior, analyzing orientation, and employing comparative methods, you can ensure the wire effectively deters digging. Combine these strategies with practical adjustments for terrain and soil type to create a robust, long-lasting barrier that protects your property from unwanted intruders.
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Frequently asked questions
Burying chicken wire under your fence helps prevent animals like dogs, rabbits, and rodents from digging underneath it, providing added security and protection for your property.
Bury the chicken wire at least 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) deep to deter digging animals effectively. Ensure it extends outward from the fence by 6 to 12 inches as well for maximum coverage.
You’ll need a shovel, work gloves, wire cutters, and possibly a mallet or stakes to secure the chicken wire in place. A measuring tape can also help ensure proper depth and width.
