Effective Groundhog Fencing: Design Details That Actually Work

Protecting a garden from groundhogs (woodchucks) requires more than basic chicken wire. These animals are skilled climbers and determined diggers.

Fence Specifications That Work

• Height: Minimum 3 feet above ground
• Top design: 45° outward angle to defeat climbing
• Buried barrier: Heavy wire (poultry or welded) buried 12-14 inches deep
• Bottom bend: Lower 2-4 inches bent outward at 90° to stop tunneling

Electric Fence Option

A single hot wire 4-5 inches above ground outside the fence adds deterrence, but requires vigilant weed control to prevent grounding.

For decks and porches, use hardware cloth to exclude access to denning sites.