How to Fence Out Gophers

Adding Mesh to Existing Fence

• 1

  Dig a trench 2 feet deep and at least 6 inches wide at the existing fence border all around your garden. Use a spade to outline and begin the trench, then finish digging with the shovel. Pile dirt neatly near the edge of the trench.

• 2

  Staple the top portion of mesh to the fence posts, about 2 feet above ground level, and fit the lower portion in the bottom of the trench with a 6-inch lip facing away from the fence. This will trap gophers attempting to burrow under the mesh. The mesh must have gaps of no more than 1/2 inch; gophers can fit through very small gaps.

• 3

  Fill in the trench with the shoveled dirt, and tamp down to hold the mesh in place firmly.

Protecting Plant Beds With Fencing Mesh

• 4

  Dig plant beds at least 2 feet deep and as wide as you need for planting. Outline the area and dig with a spade, then finish with the shovel. Pile the dirt neatly at the edge of the bed.

• 5

  Lie mesh fencing in the trench, covering the bottom and sides completely, with a lip on both sides of about 1 foot.

• 6

  Fill in plant beds with the soil you removed, then tamp down.