An Ounce of Prevention...

Gophers are highly destructive animals. They live in burrows and like to eat many of the plants that people have in their gardens and yards. If a family of gophers takes up residence in your yard, you could quickly find your lawn taken over by gopher mounds and tunnels. It is easy enough to kill or capture gophers once they arrive, but it would be greatly preferable to keep them out in the first place.

Gophers can cause a number of problems. The aesthetic damage to your landscaping is just the beginning. Gophers also eat garden plants like carrots, lettuce, and radishes. Gophers also carry dangerous diseases like rabies. They have sharp teeth, and like any other animal, they can be dangerous when they feel threatened. Worst of all, gophers make holes in your yard; these holes are a trip hazard for children or elderly individuals. Before you know it, a child could have a sprained ankle. An older person could end up with a broken ankle, wrist or hip.

There are several solutions to gopher problems to choose from, depending on your needs, preferences, and budget.

Gopher Repelling Plants

Gophers have a rather adventurous palate, but there are some plants that they do not really care for. If you plant these species at the perimeter of your property, you could make your yard a less attractive area to gophers. Consult the plant experts at your local nursery for advice on choosing gopher repelling plants.

Traps

There are many reasons that trapping gophers may be preferable to killing them outright. Gopher traps allow you to rid your yard of gophers easily and humanely.

Poison

Poison is quite effective at killing gophers, but there are serious concerns surrounding its use. The poisons that are effective against gophers could also be harmful to children, pets or livestock. If you can be certain that none of these will be in danger of ingesting the poison, it may still be a good solution, provided you have some way to dispose of the dead gophers.

Gopher Fencing

Fencing is a very effective tool for keeping gophers out of your yard. What kind of wire mesh do you need? To keep the gophers out, choose wire mesh fencing with no more than -inch openings. Gophers are burrowing animals, so the fence should extend at least 18 inches below the surface. Because it will be highly susceptible to corrosion, choose galvanized steel or vinyl coated fence wire. If your yard is already populated by gophers, you will need to use one of the other methods to get rid of the gophers once you install the fence; otherwise, you could end up with a gopher sanctuary.

How These Solutions Can Work for You--

No matter what solution you choose, keeping gophers out will make your property a safer place that is better looking or more productive. It takes a lot of time and energy to maintain a healthy yard; do not let gophers ruin your hard work. Choose the solution that works for you, and get rid of your uninvited guests before they ruin the party.

Welded Wire Meshes and Fences

What are welded wire meshes and fences?

• As the name implies, welded wire mesh fencesare made from wires that have been welded into a mesh.
• In most cases, the same gauge of wire is used throughout the roll.
• Welded joints are rigid and have little flexibility.
• Many welded products with larger openings are used as fencing on ranches, farms, in parks and on construction sites.
• Mesh sizes can range from 1/2" x 1/2" up to 6" x 6".
• Meshes with smaller openings are usually made with lighter gauge wires.
• These are mostly used for screening.
• Some specifications of welded meshes are vinyl coated.

And what are their uses?

Welded fencing is ideal to use on flat terrain where little flexibility is necessary. Some examples of uses:

-Swimming pool fences

-Emu and Ostrich Fences

- Garden Fences

- Dog kennels

-Sheep and Goat Fences

-Railing safety panel inserts

Woven Wire Meshes and Fences

What are woven wire meshes and fences?

• Fences made by weaving the wires into a mesh.
• Different gauge wires are sometimes used in the same roll.
• Woven joints are flexible yet very strong.
• There are a wide variety of mesh size openings available.
• Hexagonal netting (chicken wire), field and farm fence, deer and wildlife fence and ornamental fence are some examples.

What can they be used for?

Woven wire fences are ideal to use in situations where the ground is uneven. The inherent flexibility allows the fence to adjust more easily to grade changes. Some examples of uses:

- Garden Fences

- Horse Paddocks

- Boundary Fence

- Orchard Fence

- Farm Fence

Keep these differences in mind when you are planning to install a fence. Which type do you want to use? Or maybe you need expert advice on what products to use?

hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(10240, 'f8e810b5-0e49-4d58-ad60-4f761ec1368f', {});

That Fence is calling to you...

Spring is here and it?s time to prepare your fence for the warmer months. Winter can be tough on fences. Trees fall down. Branches take out fence sections. The land freezes and defrosts, making your fence unstable. By the time spring rolls around, your fence can end up rusty, misshapen or even on the ground.

Inspect Your Fence

Now is the time to inspect your fence. To begin an inspection, walk the perimeter of the fence and inspect it from bottom to top. You will want to pay special attention to where the fence meets the ground. Have any animals burrowed underneath your fence?

Plus you will want to make sure there is no rust. Fences that are constantly touching the ground tend to rust at a higher rate. Over time, you may notice that an entire section has rusted away at ground level.

An inspection should also involve shaking the fence. Is it securely in the ground? Have any of the fence posts become damaged or loose in the ground. If your fence is coated in vinyl, check to see if the vinyl is peeling.

In addition to making any notes for yourself about damage, rust or peeling, you will want to pull off any vegetation that may have grown on your fence. Although some people find ivy and other plants appealing when it is growing on fences, vegetation speeds up the decay of your fence.

Common things to note during your fence inspection include:

• Lack of sturdiness
• Fence post stability
• Weld strength
• Rust
• Vinyl peeling
• Vegetation
• Holes under the fence

You will want to fix or address any and all of the items on this list in preparation for warmer months.

Now for some common types of damage to fences and how to fix them--

Rust

Rust is the number one enemy of metal fences. Once rust sets in, you can never restore your fence 100% but you can maintain it for a long life. To repair your fence from rusting:

Peeling Vinyl Coating

Vinyl coating helps to prolong the life of your fence but over time the vinyl starts to peel. To maintain a vinyl coated fence:

Fence Section Demolished by a Fallen Tree or Tree Branch

Winter can be tough on trees and anything around your fence that can fall on it and damage the fence. To address a section of fence that has been destroyed we recommend:

Create A Fence Maintenance Supply List

We also recommend creating a fence maintenance supply list when you are first building a fence and annually give your fence a check-up. For the supply list, we recommend:

Louis E. Page is your single source for all your wire mesh requirements. We have strand wire, fence staples, hog rings and more in our catalog. It is up to you as to how many supplies you want to keep on hand to maintain a strong, sturdy fence. Some of our suppliers offer warranties, for example, Cavatorta, has an excellent product warranty.

At Louis E. Page, we pride ourselves on our customer service and being able to meet your needs. Including all your fencing needs in one order can save you time and ensure you have everything you need when you need it. For example, you might already know that you need welded wire mesh for your animals but what about the crops you plan on planting?

Your plants need support and we have Hortonova - Crop Support Netting. This netting is rot and rust proof, resistant to UV rays and chemical agents. It is ideal for vertical and horizontal growing techniques. You can keep your animals where you want them, plus easily cultivate plants when you combine your ordering needs.

Download our Catalogue >

Related Products:

• Vinyl Coated Welded Wire Fence
• Gopher Deterrent Fence
• Crop Support Netting
• Steel Posts
• Staples for Securing to Wood Posts
• Hog Ring Pliers & Hog Rings
• Ground/Sod Staples

Installing fencing?

First: Consider the environment in which it will be placed,asking yourself these key questions--

• Is it near the coast?
• Is it exposed to extreme changes in temperature?
• Will it be located in a wet or humid environment?
• Will it be in close proximity to corrosive chemicals?

Identifying these factors will help you determine the best type of fence product and coating for your needs.

GBW - Galvanized Before Weld

Let?s start with the basic low-cost GBW welded wire fence. This product is available in a wide variety of styles and sizes for lots of different applications. This is what most ?Big Box? stores sell.

• The good news? It is inexpensive.The "bad" news? It has a shorter life because it is more susceptible to rust and corrosion.And the reason? The wire is welded before it is galvanized. The welding process can ?burn-off? the zinc on the weld points. This makes the wire more vulnerable to rust and corrosion.

The initial strength and gauge of the Galvanized Before Weldwire is the same as Galvanized After Weldand Vinyl Coated. But the finish is not nearly as durable resulting in a shorter usable lifespan.

If price rather than quality is the most important factor, then GBW might be a good choice for you.

GAW - Galvanized After Weld

GAW welded wire is dipped in molten zinc after being welded or woven. The wire is fully encased in zinc for greater protection and longer life. This is especially important if the fence is to be installed in coastal areas, and if rust and corrosion are primary concerns.

• The good news? Extended lifetime.The bad news? It is slightly more expensive than generic GBW meshes.The reason? After the wire mesh is welded or woven, the finished product is drawn through a bath of molten zinc. The wires are thoroughly galvanized. And most importantly the welded joints are completely covered and protected from the elements. Moisture, which tends to collect in these areas, is prevented from contacting the underlying wire.

If quality and long life are the most important factors in how you will make your decision, Galvanized After Weld is a great choice. The thick galvanization present on the wires adds years of life to the fence. GAW fencing materials will long outlast commonly available GBW products. You have to look harder to find GAW wire fencing materials, but we sell it and your search will be rewarded with years of service. Avoid the needless expense and hassle of frequent replacement. Buy a product that will last!

VC - Vinyl Coated

VC welded wire has been coated with a layer of PVC after the mesh is welded up. The vinyl covers the mesh and provides strong protection against the element.

• The good news? Extended lifetime and attractive appearance.The "bad" news? It can be more expensive than GBW and GAW products.The reason? The addition of the PVC coating adds an impervious barrier, protecting the wire from Mother Nature's harshest elements. Protected wire will not rust as quickly.

If you want a product that is not only attractive but is also able to withstand environmental stresses, VC welded wire mesh is the perfect one to use. Black mesh becomes virtually invisible. We sell green and black vinyl coated products.

Note: It is very important to know what to look for when considering VC wire fencing materials. The best possible protection and longest life expectancy are offered by a product that is vinyl coated over GAW wire mesh. You will have rugged double protection. You will not be disappointed.

SS - Stainless Steel

SS welded wire fences provide the greatest level of protection and long life in any environment. The product is more expensive up front but can save lots of money and time in the long run because the fence will not need to be repaired or replaced. Stainless Steel wire needs no additional coating because it will last for years and years.

• The good news? A very long lifetime with little maintenance required.The "bad" news? It is more expensive.The reason? Stainless Steel is a more expensive material. But in certain applications, it will ultimately prove less expensive.

And Stainless Steel wire needs no additional coating because it will last for years and years in practically any environment.

That is our high-level overview of fences. This is a great place to start if you are new to fence products and/or you are planning for a certain project. We have experts on hand to answer any questions that you may have and we provide free quotes.

Fixed Knot Construction and Galvanized Wire

Deer Fence featuring fixed knot construction. Each vertical stay wire is tightly wrapped around horizontal line wires making a secure barrier fence. The joint acts as a hinge that gives under pressure, then springs back into shape. The Class 1 galvanized top and bottom wires are 11 gauge. The "filler" wires are 14-1/2 gauge. Galvanized wire resists weathering and normal wear and tear.

This fence was previously known as Poultry and Garden Fence. The unique spacing of the horizontal line wires keeps predators out of orchards, vineyards and gardens. The openings of the fence are graduated - smaller at the bottom, larger at the top. Wires are spaced 1" apart at the bottom. The top spacing is 4". Vertical stay wires are spaced at 6" intervals.

Rolls are available in three different sizes:

• 48" x 165' - 2048-9-14.5 style
• 60" x 165' - 2360-6-14.5 style
• 72" x 165' - 2672-6-14.5 style

Benefits of Deer and Orchard Fence...

• Economical galvanized fence
• Larger 4" x 6" openings at the top
• Smaller 1" x 6" openings at the bottom
• Horizontal wires are crimped to allow for expansion
• Woven construction enables fence to conform to uneven terrain
• Ideal for keeping small critters away from where they're not wanted
• Use for making a pen to protect rabbits, chickens and other small animals
• Longer lifetime reduces frequency and high cost of repair and replacement

And its Uses

• Chicken runs
• Rabbit enclosures
• Garden perimeter fence
• Nuisance wild life barrier
• Wood post and rail fence backer
• Protect fruit trees and berries from browsing animals

Would Deer and Orchard Fence be the ideal fence for you to use?

hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(10240, '37b22fa6-cf98-41f6-8248-21a9f64f35af', {});

hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(10240, '02b84ba1-20f3-4f36-807a-87c2fa640a47', {});