Electrified fences will provide the same or better protection and require only two strands of conductor, usually at 4 inches and 6 to 8 inches above ground. This configuration allows easy access to the garden and doesn't detract terribly from a garden's aesthetic quality. Battery and solar-powered chargers are available and both are quite portable. An advantage to electric fencing is that it can be configured to keep out a variety of other garden raiders, such as deer and raccoons, and it requires surprisingly little maintenance. Children need to be warned of the uncomfortable consequences of touching an electrified fence.
Pets quickly train themselves.
Never assume that a problem taken care of this year or even this month will result in a woodchuck-free zone around your garden. You may find other woodchucks either suddenly moving into this vacant territory or attempting to override your defenses. Bruleigh is a federal wildlife biologist in Concord, New Hampshire. Used by permission. Read our Privacy Policy .