If deer are treating your garden like their personal buffet, you need a reliable defense. A slant deer fence is an effective garden protection solution that works with the animals’ instincts, not against them.
This method is surprisingly simple and often more affordable than very tall vertical fences. It uses psychology and physics to keep your plants safe. Let’s look at how it works and how you can build one.
Slant Deer Fence
A traditional tall fence tries to be an impenetrable wall. Deer, however, are excellent jumpers. A slant fence takes a different approach. It presents an unclear barrier that deer find confusing and difficult to judge.
The angled design makes it hard for a deer to commit to a jump. They can’t easily determine the fence’s height or where they would land. This uncertainty makes them much more likely to just walk away and find an easier meal elsewhere.
Why a Slanted Design Works Better
Deer have poor depth perception. They rely on predictable obstacles. A vertical fence has a clear top and landing point. An angled one does not.
The overhang creates an optical illusion. It appears vast and unstable from the deer’s perspective. This triggers their natural caution. They percieve it as a risky or unstable structure they could get tangled in.
It’s also a physical deterrent. Even if a deer tried to jump, its front legs would likely hit the slanted section. This could cause it to stumble or fall, an outcome it instinctively wants to avoid.
Materials You’ll Need
Gathering the right materials before you start is key. Here’s a typical list for a 100-foot section:
* Fence Posts: 8-foot tall metal T-posts or wooden posts. You’ll need one every 10 feet.
* Fencing Material: Deer netting (polyethylene) or welded wire mesh (at least 7.5 feet wide). Metal is more durable but plastic is lighter.
* Support Line: A strong top wire or high-tensile wire to support the fence’s weight.
* Post Driver or Digger: For installing your posts.
* Staples or Zip Ties: To attach the fencing to posts and wires.
* Come-along or Fence Stretcher: To tighten the support wire.
* Wire Cutters and Pliers.
* Safety Glasses and Gloves.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow these steps for a sturdy, effective fence.
1. Plan Your Layout
Walk the perimeter of your garden. Mark where corner and end posts will go. These posts need to be the strongest, as they handle the most tension. Clear any brush or debris from the fence line.
2. Install Corner and End Posts
Set these posts vertically and deep into the ground (at least 2 feet). Use concrete for wooden posts for extra stability. They are the anchor points for your entire fence.
3. Set Line Posts
Place your line posts along the fence line every 8-10 feet. Instead of setting them vertical, install them at a 45-degree angle, leaning away from your garden. The top of the post should be about 5-6 feet above ground, pointing outward.
4. Run the Support Wire
Attach your high-tensile wire to the top of a corner post. Run it along the tops of all the angled line posts, securing it loosely as you go. Use a come-along to tighten it firmly at the far end. It should be taut but not singing.
5. Attach the Fencing Material
Unroll your netting or mesh along the inside of the posts. Attach the TOP of the fencing to the support wire using zip ties or fence staples every foot or so. Let the fencing drape down and outward over the angled posts, reaching the ground.
6. Secure the Bottom
Pull the bottom edge of the fencing tight along the ground, away from the garden. Secure it with landscape staples or by piling rocks or logs along it. There should be no gaps for deer to push under.
7. Add Visual Cues (Optional)
For the first few weeks, tie white flagging tape every few feet. This helps deer see the fence clearly while they learn its there.
Key Advantages Over Vertical Fences
* Cost-Effective: Uses shorter, fewer materials than an 8-foot vertical fence.
* Less Visually Obtrusive: The low profile blends into the landscape better from the human perspective.
* Psychological Barrier: It’s often more effective because it exploits deer behavior.
* Easier to Install: Handling a 7-foot wide roll on the ground is simpler than trying to erect a tall, straight wall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best design can fail if installed poorly. Watch out for these errors.
Sagging Support Wire. A loose wire lets the fencing droop, reducing the confusing angle. Keep it very tight.
Gaps at the Bottom. Deer will crawl under if they can. Secure the bottom edge firmly to the ground along its entire length.
Insufficient Angled Height. The slanted section should be at least 5-6 feet high. A shorter angle is easier for a deer to clear.
Poor Corner Bracing. Corners must withstand heavy tension. Skimping here will cause the whole fence to sag over time.
Maintenance Tips
Your fence needs occasional checks to stay effective.
Inspect it every season, especially in spring and fall. Look for sagging wires, loose fasteners, or holes in the netting. Repair any damage immediately.
Trim back any vegetation that grows up and through the fence. It can provide leverage for a deer to push against. Also, clear leaves and snow that might weigh down the slanted section.
Comparing Other Deer Deterrents
No single method is perfect for every situation. Here’s how a slant fence compares:
* Tall Vertical Fences (8+ ft): Very effective but more expensive and visually imposing.
* Electric Fences: Effective but require constant maintenance (checking charger, clearing vegetation).
* Repellents (Sprays, Granules): Need frequent reapplication after rain and can be costly for large areas.
* Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Good for small areas but can be triggered by pets or wind.
The slant fence offers a good balance of permanence, cost, and reliablity with minimal ongoing work.
FAQ Section
Q: How high does a slant deer fence need to be?
A: The slanted portion should extend about 5 to 6 feet above the ground. Because it’s angled, the total footprint is wider than a vertical fence, but the visible height is lower.
Q: Will a slanted deer fence keep out rabbits and groundhogs too?
A: It can help, but you must secure the bottom edge very well. Bury the fencing a few inches or use a ground apron facing outward to stop diggers. For small animals, a smaller mesh size is necessary.
Q: Is a wire mesh or plastic netting better?
A: Wire mesh is far more durable and long-lasting, resisting weather and chewing. Plastic netting is cheaper and easier to install but can be damaged by sun and animals over time. For a permanent solution, choose metal.
Q: Can I add a slanted section to my existing fence?
A: Yes! You can often attach angled extensions to the top of an existing shorter fence. This is a great way to upgrade a 4-foot garden fence without rebuilding it entirely.
Q: Do deer ever get used to a slant fence?
A: It’s less likley than with other deterrents because the barrier remains physically and visually confusing. Consistency is key—maintain its structure so it always presents the same unclear obstacle.
A well-built slant deer fence provides a smart, long-term answer to garden raids. It respects the deer’s nature while firmly protecting your plants. With some planning and a weekend of work, you can enjoy your garden’s beauty without sharing it all with the local wildlife.