Fencing Your Property: Where to Start

What is the fence for?

Fences keep animals in, keep predators and wildlife out, mark boundaries, and guide movement. Each job asks something different. A fence that holds sheep may not stop a determined horse or a deer, and a fence that holds cattle may let a goat walk through.

Write down what you are fencing and why. Name the animals, their size, and how they behave. This purpose statement shapes every choice that follows, including cost. Remember that a fence meant for cattle in summer pasture is a different project from one meant to hold a flock of chickens against foxes at night.

What do you need to know before you build?

Know where your boundary really is. A survey or a clear set of boundary markers prevents disputes. Building on the wrong side of a line can mean tearing a fence out. Talk with neighbors, and ask the county about rules for boundary fences.

Many states have fence laws that address who pays for or maintains a shared fence, and who is liable for escaped animals. These laws differ widely. Check with your state department of agriculture, county, or an attorney rather than relying on memory or hearsay.

How do you choose a fence type?

Common types include woven wire, high-tensile wire, electric, board, and panel fences. Each has different costs, lifespans, and suitability. Electric fencing can be affordable and flexible, but needs proper grounding and regular checks. Permanent fences last longer but cost more to build.

Your extension office can tell you what works best for your animals and region. Neighbors who have kept similar animals for years are a great source, too. Ask what they would do differently. Keep a short list of the fence type, post spacing, and wire you used, so repairs match the original.

• Match the fence to the animal, not just the budget.
• Use permanent fence for boundaries and exterior lines.
• Use temporary or electric fence for rotating pasture.

What goes into good fence construction?

Corners and ends bear the load, so strong corner and brace assemblies matter most. Posts need to be set well and aligned, and wire needs to be tight enough to do its job. Cheap shortcuts at corners cause sagging lines for years.

If you are new to fencing, get help the first time. Many extension offices offer demonstrations, and experienced farmers often will share tips. Use gloves and eye protection, handle wire carefully, and take care with electric fence energizers, since improper installation can be dangerous. Read the manufacturer's instructions.

Where do gates and access fit in?

Plan gates before you plan the rest of the fence. Put gates in corners where animals naturally gather or where you move vehicles and equipment. Make them wide enough for the machinery you expect, and use sturdy hardware.

Remember emergency access. A gate that a neighbor or fire crew can open quickly is worth having, and a lock that you can open in a hurry is better than a complicated one. Mark gates clearly if you often have guests or workers.

How do you maintain a fence?

Walk the fence regularly, especially after storms and in spring when frost loosens posts. Look for fallen limbs, sagging wire, damaged insulators, and signs of digging at the bottom.

Keep vegetation from touching electric lines, and test the charge with a tester made for fences. Small repairs done right away prevent escapes, and an escape can lead to road accidents and liability. Keep contact information for neighbors and the county animal control handy.

What are common fencing mistakes?

The most common mistake is skimping on corner posts and braces to save money, then watching the wire sag within a season. Another is choosing the cheapest wire for animals that test fences, which leads to escapes and repair costs.

Beginners also forget about the ground. Wet, rocky, or frozen soil changes how posts are set, and a fence that is fine in dry ground may fail in wet. Electric fences lose their charge when grass grows into them or when grounding is poor, and animals learn quickly when the shock is weak.

Last, many people fence the whole property at once and run out of money. It is smarter to fence the first pasture well and add more as funds and needs grow.

• Do not skimp on corners and braces.
• Check grounding and clear grass from electric lines.
• Fence in stages and do the first pasture well.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.