Does Deer Netting Work

If you’re a gardener, you’ve likely asked yourself, “does deer netting work?” It’s a common question for anyone trying to protect their plants. Gardeners often use deer netting as a physical barrier, but its effectiveness depends on proper installation and persistence. The short answer is yes, it can work very well, but it’s not a simple “set it and forget it” solution.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover how deer netting works, the different types available, and the critical steps for installation. You’ll also learn about common mistakes and how to combine netting with other strategies for the best results.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to use deer netting effectively in your own garden.

Deer netting works by creating a physical and visual barrier that deters deer from entering an area or reaching specific plants. It is typically made from durable, lightweight polypropylene or polyethylene and is designed to be nearly invisible. The principle is straightforward: deer cannot pass through the small openings, and they are generally reluctant to jump a barrier if they cannot see a safe landing spot on the other side.

However, its success is not guaranteed. Effectiveness hinges entirely on correct implementation. Poorly installed netting can be easily breached, tangled, or even become a hazard. When installed correctly with sturdy posts and kept taut, deer netting is a highly reliable and cost-effective method for protecting gardens, orchards, and landscaped areas from deer browse.

How Deer Netting Deters Deer

Deer rely heavily on their senses of sight and touch. Deer netting exploits this in two key ways. First, the fine mesh is difficult for deer to see clearly, especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active. An uncertain deer is a cautious deer; if they can’t clearly assess the barrier, they are less likely to challenge it.

Second, when a deer does encounter the netting, the sensation is unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Unlike a solid fence they can lean against, the netting gives way slightly but provides no clear point to push through. This confusing tactile feedback often convinces them to back away and seek easier food sources elsewhere.

The Difference Between Netting and Fencing

It’s important to distinguish netting from traditional deer fencing. Deer fencing is usually a heavy-duty, rigid material like welded wire or metal, often 7-8 feet tall. Netting is lighter, more flexible, and typically used in heights from 7 to 10 feet. While fencing is a more permanent structure, netting offers a versatile and often more affordable solution that can be installed on slopes and uneven terrain where rigid fencing would be difficult.

Types Of Deer Netting Material

Choosing the right material is your first step toward success. The main options have distinct advantages and drawbacks.

Polypropylene (Plastic) Netting: This is the most common and economical type. It’s lightweight, UV-treated to resist sun damage, and easy to handle. It’s best for seasonal use or protecting specific beds. Lower-quality poly netting can become brittle and tear over a few seasons.
Polyethylene Netting: Often marketed as “heavy-duty” or “commercial grade,” this plastic is more durable, flexible, and resistant to cracking than standard polypropylene. It’s a good choice for a longer-term installation where you want the netting to last 5+ years.
Metal or Wire Netting: Usually made from galvanized steel, this is the most durable option. It is virtually indestructible by deer and weather. However, it is more expensive, heavier to install, and can be more visually obtrusive. It’s ideal for permanent enclosures around orchards or high-value crops.

Choosing The Correct Mesh Size And Height

Getting the dimensions right is non-negotiable. A net that is too short or has gaps that are too large is an invitation for failure.

Mesh Size: A 2″ x 2″ mesh is the standard recommendation. This size is small enough to prevent deer from pushing their noses through to browse, yet large enough to not catch the heads or legs of smaller non-target animals like songbirds if installed properly taut.
Height: For a perimeter barrier, a minimum of 7.5 to 8 feet is essential. Deer are powerful jumpers. A 6-foot net might as well be a welcome mat. For protecting individual trees or shrubs, you can use shorter, cylindrical nets directly around the plant.

Proper Installation Is Everything

The most common reason deer netting fails is improper installation. A sloppy job leads to sagging, gaps, and easy break-ins. Here is a step-by-step guide to doing it right the first time.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Follow these steps carefully for a secure, long-lasting barrier.

Plan Your Perimeter: Walk the area you want to protect. Note any gates or access points you’ll need. Decide if you will enclose the entire garden or create a barrier around its edge. Clear the perimeter line of brush and tall grass.
Gather Materials: You will need the netting, sturdy posts (metal T-posts or wooden stakes), post drivers, zip ties or heavy-duty twine, and possibly a come-along or fence stretcher for longer runs.
Set Your Corner and End Posts: These bear the most tension. Use your strongest posts (8-foot metal T-posts or 4×4 wooden posts) at all corners and ends. Drive them at least 2 feet into the ground. For wooden posts, consider using concrete for stability.
Set Line Posts: Place intermediate posts every 8 to 10 feet along the run. This prevents sagging. For a 7.5-foot net, use 8-foot posts driven 1.5 feet down, leaving 6.5 feet above ground to attach the netting.
Unroll and Attach the Netting: Start at a corner post. Unroll the netting along the outside of the posts. Attach the top of the netting to the corner post using zip ties. Then, walk the roll to the next post, pull the netting taut by hand, and attach it at the top. Continue this process down the line.
Apply Final Tension: Once the top is loosely attached, go back and apply serious tension. You can use a come-along on long runs or simply pull very tightly by hand, securing with multiple zip ties at each post. The netting should be drum-tight, with no significant sag between posts.
Secure the Bottom: This is a critical step. Deer will try to go under. Secure the bottom of the netting to the ground every few feet with landscape staples (pins) or by piling rocks or logs along the base. For a more permanent solution, bury the bottom edge 6 inches deep.

Common Installation Mistakes To Avoid

Learning from others’ errors can save you a lot of frustration.

Sagging Netting: This is the #1 failure point. A saggy net is easy for deer to push down and step over. Always use enough posts and pull the netting extremely tight.
Insufficient Height: Underestimating a deer’s jumping ability is a classic error. Never use netting shorter than 7.5 feet for a perimeter barrier.
Gaps at the Bottom: Leaving even a small gap is like leaving the door open. Secure the bottom completely.
Weak Corner Posts: If your corner posts lean in, the entire fence loses tension. Reinforce them properly.
Ignoring Topography: On a slope, you must follow the contour of the land, stepping the netting down, not running it at an angle which creates a low point.

Long-Term Maintenance and Monitoring

Your job isn’t done once the netting is up. Regular checks are crucial for ongoing success.

Regular Inspection Routines

Make it a habit to walk your fence line every week or two. Look for these issues:

Sagging between posts that needs re-tightening.
Breaks or tears in the mesh from weather or animals.
Gaps at the bottom where staples have pulled out or soil has eroded.
Vegetation growing through the netting, which can weigh it down or provide a “ladder” for deer.

After any major storm, do an inspection. High winds can loosen posts or cause branches to fall and damage the net.

Repairing Damage And Wear

Small tears are inevitable. Keep a roll of heavy-duty nylon thread or plastic repair tape on hand. For small holes, simply stitch the mesh back together. For larger rips, cut a patch from a spare piece of netting and sew or tie it securely over the damaged area. Prompt repairs prevent a small problem from becoming a major entry point.

Combining Netting With Other Deterrents

For severe pressure or particularly bold deer, a multi-layered approach is most effective. Deer netting forms your primary physical barrier, but other methods can reinforce it.

Using Scents And Repellents

Odor-based repellents can create an additional sensory barrier. Apply commercial or homemade repellents (like egg-based sprays) on plants just inside the netting. The smell can discourage deer from lingering and testing the physical barrier. Reapply these regularly, especially after rain.

Incorporating Visual And Auditory Deterrents

Motion-activated devices can startle deer away from your netting perimeter. These include sprinklers, lights, or even simple noise-makers like aluminum pie pans. The key is to move them around frequently so the deer do not become accustomed to them. Placing a few of these near known deer trails outside your netting can be very effective.

Limitations and Considerations

Deer netting is a powerful tool, but it’s not perfect for every situation. Being aware of its limitations helps you plan better.

Potential Impact On Other Wildlife

Poorly installed, loose netting can snag birds, snakes, or small mammals. This is why proper tension (making the netting highly visible to small animals) and the recommended 2″ mesh size are so important. Always check netting regularly for accidental entanglement.

Aesthetic And Practical Drawbacks

Some gardeners find plastic netting unattractive, though it does blend in over time. It can also be a minor obstacle for your own garden access if not planned correctly. Installing a simple garden gate section within your netting run solves this problem neatly.

When Deer Netting Might Not Be The Best Choice

If you have an extremely large area (multiple acres), the cost and labor of netting may be prohibitive, and traditional fencing might be more economical long-term. Also, in areas with very high deer populations and limited food, a desperate deer may eventually challenge even a well-built net. In these cases, combining netting with other strong deterrents is essential.

FAQs About Deer Netting

How Long Does Deer Netting Last?

Quality UV-treated polypropylene netting typically lasts 3 to 5 years with proper installation and storage if taken down in winter. Heavy-duty polyethylene can last 5-7 years or more. Metal netting can last for decades.

Is Deer Netting Safe For Birds?

When installed correctly—pulled very taut—it is generally safe. A tight net is visible and less likely to entangle birds. Loose, sagging netting is a significant hazard. Always opt for the 2″ mesh size and maintain good tension.

Can Deer Break Through Deer Netting?

A healthy adult deer can break through flimsy, poorly installed netting. However, they cannot break through a properly installed, taut net made of standard or heavy-duty material. Their weight and force will be distributed across the mesh and supporting posts.

What Is The Cheapest Way To Keep Deer Out?

Deer netting is often the most cost-effective physical barrier per linear foot. Homemade repellents can be cheaper initially but require constant reapplication and are less reliable on their own. The cheapest method is often a combination of well-installed netting and rotated supplemental deterrents.

How Do I Keep Deer Netting From Sagging?

Use enough support posts (every 8-10 feet), ensure corner posts are extremely sturdy, and use a tool to apply tension during installation. Regular maintenance to re-tighten is also necessary, as all netting will stretch slightly over time.

So, does deer netting work? Absolutely. It is a proven, effective method for protecting your garden from deer damage. Its success is not magical; it’s mechanical. It requires an upfront investment in quality materials, a careful and diligent installation, and a commitment to ongoing maintenance. When you treat it as a serious garden structure rather than a temporary fix, deer netting provides a reliable, long-term solution that allows both your plants—and you—to thrive in peace.