Property Fencing Keeps Deer Out of Your Garden

Perimeter property fencing is the ultimate solution for keeping deer (and other potentially destructive wildlife) out of your garden.

deer-in-garden-utah

Deer are beautiful, graceful creatures. But, they can also be an incredible nuisance, trampling your landscape and treating your garden like a salad bar. You could try homespun remedies like using scent deterrents or landscaping with deer-resistant plants.

However, the only reliable way to keep deer out of your garden is by installing a property fence around the perimeter of your lot.

Choosing Deer-Repellant Property Fencing

A wire or polypropylene mesh fence is often touted as a simple and inexpensive solution to deter deer. Mesh fencing is inexpensive and easy to install, but it isn’t a very effective repellant. Determined deer can find ways to break right through.

An electric fence may work to keep the deer out of your garden. But, any children or pets who come into contact with electric fencing will also receive a shock.

Wood fencing is an effective barrier but, for many property owners, vinyl is the preferred choice. Unlike wood, vinyl fence requires very little maintenance. Plus, even the most determined deer can’t munch their way through vinyl fencing.

The Height of Property Fencing Matters

Fencing material isn’t the only consideration for keeping deer out of your yard and garden. The height of your property fence is just as important.

Deer won’t normally attempt to jump a six-foot fence. But, if they are being chased, feel threatened or if food is scarce, they can sometimes leap up to eight feet from flat ground. If the ground is sloped, they may be able to clear a fence that is even taller.

Once trapped in your yard, however, the deer don’t always have the motivation to go out the way they came in. This can lead to significant damage. But, unless you really want to install a perimeter fence in excess of eight feet high, what are your options?

Consider Double Property Fencing

Deer can jump very high, particularly when they are motivated. Fortunately, they can’t jump very far. So, a double line of perimeter property fence can be an effective way to prevent them from entering your yard.

Double property fencing is particularly effective because deer have poor depth perception. With the second fence in place, they won’t be able to see a safe place to land. Consequently, they won’t attempt the jump.

To be effective, double fencing doesn’t have to be too tall. In fact, four feet may be sufficient to prevent deer from getting into your garden.

Would you like explore these and other deer-repellant fence options? Outback Fencing has more than 20 years of experience serving homeowners and businesses throughout Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary property fencing estimate today.

3 Easy Steps to Restore & Protect Your Iron Fence

An ornamental or wrought iron fence brings timeless beauty to any property. And, for strength, security and longevity, iron fencing is an ideal choice for residential as well as commercial applications.

ornamental iron fence in utah

However, like any outdoor structure made of metal, iron fencing can rust when exposed to moisture. Even though most wrought iron is protected by a rust-resistant finish, rain, snow and increased humidity can still lead to corrosion and damage.

Fortunately, you can restore and protect your ornamental iron fence in three simple steps.

Step No. 1: Remove All Existing Rust from Your Iron Fence

Periodically, walk the length of your fencing and assess its condition. If you spot any rust, it’s important to remove it quickly so that the corrosion doesn’t spread.

To clean those areas with a light amount of rust, rub the area lightly with sandpaper or steel wool. More stubborn corrosion may require a powered disc sander or a stiff metal brush. And, for heavy rust, you may need to apply a commercial rust cleaner or dissolver, such as Naval Jelly.

Regardless of the method you use, always wear appropriate protective gear. Work gloves, safety goggles and a face mask will help keep you safe when removing rust.

Step No. 2: Clean and Dry Your Iron Fence

Once the corrosion is gone, clean away any remaining dirt and loose rust particles on the wrought iron. Wipe the area thoroughly with a cloth dampened mineral spirits or a mixture of warm water and dish detergent. Use an old toothbrush for crevices and other hard-to-reach areas.

Next, rinse the fencing with clean water. Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to dry all surfaces completely. This is the most important step for preventing future rust. If the weather is humid, you can even use a blow dryer or a portable fan to ensure that no moisture remains. Don’t delay in moving on to the next step, however, because new rust can form in a matter of hours if the weather is right.

Step No. 3: Apply a Rust-Proof Iron Fence Coating and Paint

To prevent your wrought iron fence from corroding in the future, apply a coat of oil-based rust-resistant primer. Use smooth strokes with a paintbrush for even coverage. Or, to make the job easier, try a spray-on metal primer. If you suspect that some rust may remain on the iron fencing surface rust converter in place of primer (or beneath it).

Once the primer has thoroughly dried, it’s time to paint your wrought iron fencing with an oil-based metal paint. Paint adds a barrier that helps minimize the risk of rust developing in the future. You can use a small paintbrush; however, many DIYers paint mitts.

Let the paint dry completely, then apply a second coat. If you opt to use a spray-on paint, you may need up to four coats to provide full coverage for the wrought iron.

By following these simple steps, your fencing will remain strong and beautiful for many years to come. If you aren’t interested in the do-it-yourself approach, contact Outback Fencing for professional assistance. We can install maintenance-free new fencing or recommend the best approach for repairing and maintaining your current fence. Outback Fencing serves residential and commercial customers in Utah and Wyoming. Contact us today with any questions you may have about chainlink, wood or vinyl fencing, or ornamental iron fence.

Choosing Vinyl Fence Colors to Enhance Your Home

With a vinyl fence, fade-resistant color is integrated right into the fencing material. You’ll never have to apply paint or stain to keep your fence looking as good as new, year after year.

DIY Vinyl Fencing

Since vinyl fencing can last for decades, color choice is an important factor. Select the wrong option, and you could be stuck with a ho-hum or unappealing fence. With the right selection, however, you’ll enjoy a beautiful and valuable addition to your property for many years to come.

Check with Your HOA for Rules on Vinyl Fence Color

Vinyl fencing is available in a wide variety of shades and styles. However, if you live in an HOA, you may not be able to select from all the available options.

In many communities, neighborhood or homeowners associations limit the types and colors of fencing that are permitted. The intent is to maintain a consistent appearance throughout the community, to protect property values.

Often, HOA policies limit homeowners to traditional color options, such as white, brown or natural wood tones. Some are even more restrictive, permitting only three or four specific shades. Before choosing a color, review the regulations of your HOA as well as the published design guidelines. If you break the rules, you could face fines, liens or even be compelled legally to remove your new vinyl fencing.

Consider Your Home’s Style when Choosing a Vinyl Fence Color

Once you verify the colors your HOA allows, the next consideration is your home’s architectural style. Building style definitely matters when it comes to choosing the color for vinyl fencing.

Traditional colonial or cottage style homes, for example, often look best when enclosed with traditional white fencing. Farm-style homes, on the other hand, may benefit from a natural wood tone or a subdued neutral color. And, for contemporary or modern homes, a darker vinyl fence may be a better design fit.

The color of your home should also be a consideration. Do you want your fencing to blend in or be a focal feature? You may want to select a shade that matches your roof, trim or gutters. Or, you might prefer a contrasting yet complimentary fence color.

Highlight Your Foliage with the Right Vinyl Fence Color

Don’t ignore your existing landscape and foliage when selecting a fence color. The right shade will help show off your landscaping.

Choosing vinyl fencing that is too close in color to your trees and plants will detract from the appeal of your property. Well-planned landscaping boosts the value of your home, but only if it can be seen and appreciated. For maximum effect, choose a fence color that enhances – rather than competes with – your foliage.

Would you like assistance in making the right fencing choice for your Utah home? Outback Fencing can help. We are experts in the installation, repair and restoration of wood, vinyl and ornamental iron options. Contact our West Jordan office today for professional advice on selecting your ideal vinyl fence.

Decorating Your Vinyl Fence for the Holidays

This holiday season, don’t neglect your vinyl fence with it’s time to break out the outdoor decorations.

vinyl fence decorating

Vinyl fencing makes an ideal backdrop for outdoor decorating. Incorporating your fence into your holiday decorating scheme can help turn your landscape into a winter wonderland.

Creating a festive display is fun and easy with our creative holiday decorating ideas.

Use Vinyl Fence as a Backdrop for Twinkling Light Displays

One of the best ways to add season magic to your landscape is with strands of holiday lights. Why not use your vinyl fence as a blank canvas to create a festive display?

If you prefer the simple approach, simply hang strands of mini white or multi-colored bulbs along the top. If you prefer a novelty style, use icicle lights or tiny, illuminated snowflakes. If you do select the simple approach, take your time hanging them to ensure a precision result.

If you prefer a more elaborate light display, create a festive scene on your vinyl fence with holiday lights. You can create stars, simple snowflakes, presents or reindeer, or spell out holiday messages. Use removable adhesive hooks to attach the lights and you won’t have to worry about damaging your vinyl fencing.

Decorate Your Vinyl Fence with Wreaths, Bows and Garland

If you prefer an elegant, classic holiday look, adding greenery to your white vinyl fencing will create the perfect result. Wreaths and garland made of evergreen, pine or spruce add life and color, but many homeowners prefer the ease of artificial greenery. Silk or plastic garland can be reused for many years and don’t pose the fire hazard that live versions do.

When draping garland, aim for consistency. If the greenery hangs lower on one fence panel than the next, the design won’t look as attractive. Hang a wreath at each fence post, and add red bows to create a gorgeous traditional holiday display.

Create Holiday Scenes Along the Bottom of Your Fence

If you want to kick your outdoor holiday decor up a notch, use an entire span of vinyl fence in your festive decorating.

This area ideal for large-scale yard decorations, like colorful wooden wrapped presents, Christmas trees or snowmen. Or, stake giant candy canes along the bottom of the fencing. Reposition your landscape lights to focus on your design or add portable spotlights in the yard.

You can also place seasonal planters at the base of your fence. Filled with large swags of greenery and sprigs of bold red winterberries, planters can provide a festive burst of color to your holiday landscape.

Do you have boxes of outdoor holiday decorations with nowhere to go? Give yourself the gift of new fencing for the holidays. Outback Fencing has 20 years of experience serving residential and commercial customers throughout Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your complimentary wood, iron or vinyl fence consultation.

Who Pays for a Boundary Fence Between Two Utah Properties?

You want to install a boundary fence but your neighbor doesn’t have room in the budget right now to share the cost. Or, perhaps they don’t currently perceive a need for fencing.

Boundary Fence

The fence will sit on your shared property line. Does that mean that your neighbor is legally obligated to contribute to the costs? Not necessarily, at least according to Utah law.

Can You Ask Your Neighbor to Help Pay for a Boundary Fence?

Of course, you can ask your neighbor to share your costs for new shared property line fencing. However, they don’t have to agree to share the costs if they don’t intend to use the fence.

So, what exactly does “use” mean, in this context?

Each state interprets the meaning of “use” differently. In Utah, the term pertains to an enclosure wherein boundary fencing is constructed around an entire property. In other words, if you enclose your yard with fencing, you will be using the common fence. By the same definition, if your neighbor doesn’t place fencing around the rest of their yard, they will not legally be using the fence.

In that case, your neighbor won’t be legally obligated to share the cost of the boundary fencing.

What If They Change Their Mind and Use the Boundary Fence?

Let’s say you install a partition fence, but your neighbor doesn’t want to financially contribute. After a few months or years go by, they decide to place fencing along the other edges of their yard, enclosing the property. You’ve already paid for the fencing at the property line, so are you still stuck shouldering the entire cost?

Not in Utah. State statute says that, if your neighbor wants to enclose their yard later, they will begin using the boundary fence and must contribute to the cost of its construction. Before installing the balance of their boundary fence, they are obligated to pay you one-half of the value of the fence along your shared property line.

What if You Don’t Want to Share Boundary Fence Ownership?

Not all neighbors are cordial, and you may not like the idea of co-owning a partition fence. Though it would be somewhat unusual, you could come to an agreement, with one of you assuming full responsibility for the fencing.

It is important to note that this type of ownership arrangement could be invalidated if either party sells their property. Unless the new owner accepts the current agreement, Utah law will deem the two neighbors to be co-owners of the partition fencing.

Of course, the best course of action is to work things out with your neighbor to your mutual satisfaction. To protect your interests, however, you may also wish to consult a real estate attorney with your property fence questions.

The experts at Outback Fencing can assist you in determining the best type of fence to fit your needs, whatever they may be. We serve commercial and residential customers throughout Utah and Wyoming. Contact our West Jordan office today to schedule your free consultation or to learn more about boundary fence.

Making Chain Link Fence Beautiful Again

Chain Link Fence

Nothing can beat chain link fence for strength, security and durability. This is also a highly cost-effective choice as well.

Unfortunately, this versatile fencing style isn’t exactly legendary for its beauty, and many homeowners don’t appreciate its industrial appearance. The good news is that you can easily give standard chain link fencing an upgrade for a more appealing look.

Take yours from hard-edged to eye-catching with one of these simple improvements.

Choose a Color-Coated Chain Link Fence

Standard chain link fencing comes in a silver-toned metal. This is the same color used in the familiar school, factory and warehouse security fences. It’s the color of heavy-duty prison fencing. Because of its widespread use in commercial applications, the standard silver color isn’t considered to be terribly stylish or modern.

So, why not consider a different color?

A color composite coating can transform the look of your metal fence. Several options – including brown, green and black – are available. Choose a color that blends with or complements the architectural and landscaping elements on your property for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Install Fence Slats for a Textured and Colorful Statement

Would you like to improve your home’s curb appeal and have privacy? Add fence slats through the links of your industrial fencing.

Fence slats can be woven horizontally, vertically or diagonally, to create a design and instant privacy wherever you need it. Install slats throughout the entire fence, or place one in every other row to let some light shine through.

Slats come in aluminum, vinyl and wood, in a wide range of colors. Choose one to blend with the environment, or make an interesting pattern using two or three complementary shades.

Grow Plants Along Your Chain Link Fence

Perhaps you prefer a more natural look. You can achieve this goal by creating a living wall by adding plants along the interior or exterior of your chainlink fencing.

Vines can provide quick coverage, and they make for a beautiful backdrop. Many different varieties of climbing plants grow well in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. The Virginia creeper isn’t too particular about sun and soil conditions, and its green leaves turn a gorgeous red in the fall. Or choose the trumpet-creeper or yellow trumpet vine, both of which feature brilliant orange flowers.

You could also plant grapevines. Several varieties of grapes are hardy enough to flourish in the Intermountain states, and the structure of chainlink fence creates an ideal arbor for supporting the vines.

For year-round beauty and privacy, plant evergreens along your fence. For example, American holly and eastern red cedar are dense, fast-growing trees that can enhance your fence.

Or, you could replace your current fencing with a durable and attractive wood or vinyl fence. Whatever option you prefer, the experts at Outback Fencing can create a customized solution for your Idaho, Utah or Wyoming property. Contact our West Jordan, Utah, headquarters today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to assisting you with all of your ornamental metal, wood, vinyl and chain link fence needs.