Groundhog Proof Fence

$307.09

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SKU MM-x5100

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Our Groundhog Proof Fence is engineered to offer unparalleled protection against groundhogs. Crafted from 20-gauge heavy-duty, commercial-grade wire, this fence is available in both galvanized and stainless steel options to cater to various gardening needs. The roll length is 100'.

Material Options and Durability:
Galvanized Steel: Featuring a double hot-dipped galvanized finish, this option provides a strong barrier with an estimated lifespan of 6-10 years. It is built to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring long-lasting durability.

Stainless Steel: Constructed from T-304 / 18-8 stainless steel, this variant offers superior resistance to corrosion, with an estimated lifespan of over 25 years. It's perfect for both above-ground and below-ground installations where longevity is essential.

Mesh Specifications: The wire mesh has 3/4" openings, striking the perfect balance between effective groundhog control and soil interaction. It comes in a convenient roll length of 100', making it easy to install and providing extensive coverage for your garden beds.

Applications: This product is an excellent choice for protecting your gardens from groundhog damage. It offers effective pest control while maintaining the health of your plants and can be used in both residential and commercial settings.

Product Specifications

Brand: Digger's
Size: 5' x 100' (Galvanized) or 4' x 100' (Stainless Steel)
Wire Gauge: 20
Mesh Opening: 3/4" Hexagonal
Galvanized Steel Estimated Material Lifespan: 6-10 Years
Stainless Steel Estimated Material Lifespan: 25+ Years
Stainless Steel Spec Sheet: Download PDF
Galvanized Steel Spec Sheet: Download PDF

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Need a written quote? Request Online
Questions? Call (800) 604-5537

Product Benefits:

Strong: Constructed from heavy-duty double-galvanized steel.
Permeable: Allows for water to pass through for grass and plant roots
Blocks Mature Gophers: Blocks fully grown gophers from passing through
Blocks Young Gophers: Blocks young and developing gophers from passing trough
Rot Resistant: The double-galvanized steel mesh provides high resistance against underground rotting
Allows Plant Growth: The 3/4" mesh size will not choke roots allowing for your plants to grow
Allows Lawn Root Growth: Healthy lawn growth is not effected due to the 3/4" mesh size
Designed Specifically for Gophers: Not just "fancy chicken wire", Digger's Gopher Wire is designed specifically for protection from gophers

Installation Video

View the Digger's Gopher Wire installation video for step-by-step instructions on installing gopher wire in a planter area. For a step-by-step guide on installing Digger's Gopher Wire under grass or sod please refer to the installation guide below.

Installation - Sod Area

The installation of Digger's Gopher Wire in a lawn area can be accomplished by either a landscape contractor or the homeowner. Follow the below installation instructions for optimal gopher protection in a lawn area:

Sod Layer: If installing sod, the sod has an attached soil layer.
Soil Over Wire: 1” to 1-1/2” of soil should cover the wire prior to adding sod.
Gopher Wire: Provides protection against gopher intrusion.
Existing Soil: This is the soil below your installation area

Shipping Time

Digger's Gopher Wire is stocked and ships from Northern California. Orders typically ship same day if placed before 9 AM Pacific Time. Shipping is free and most west coast customers experience delivery within two business days of ordering.

Transit Time
Gopher wire orders typically ship within one business day of order placement. Smaller orders of a few rolls ship via UPS / Fedex while larger orders ship by LTL freight. If your order ship via LTL freight the delivery company will contact you prior to delivery to arrange a delivery window that works with your schedule.Transit times on the map above are shown in business days and exclude weekends and holidays.

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Gopher Wire Staples

Each roll of Gopher Block® requires 100 ground staples for proper installation. (sold separately).

Ground Staples – For Gopher Wire - 240 Staple Carton

$38.41

Also Available:

Gopher Wire Roll - Ultra Heavy-Duty - Stainless Steel Mesh - Digger's Brand

$432.36

Looking for Some Inspiration?

Visit our Project Gallery to view a wide variety of different Gopher Wire installations by our customers.

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What About Moles?

Although gopher wire is not specifically designed to prevent mole intrusion, we have had customers that have installed it for this application and the gopher wire has proved effective at deterring moles from tunneling into landscape and lawn areas.

"After tilling and clearing the loam from our yard, I installed the gopher wire roll. I then applied another 6 inches of topsoil/compost and then laid 1,800 square feet of zeon zoysia sod. The gopher wire roll is an incredible product and in my mind worth every penny. I have already seen the results. There is an adjacent section where our yard meets the neighbors yard. Given the frequent watering/worms, etc. our yard has become an attractive site for moles. Well, our yard has been perfectly protected from the moles, and our neighbors yard is full of new holes and tunnels. They just cannot seem to penetrate the wire roll. The quality is also impressive. Does not even compare to the junk available at “unnamed big box” hardware store (trust me, I looked!) Anyway, here are several photos of the installation process and the final product. "

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Colin R.
Austin, TX

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Groundhog Proof Fence: The Complete Guide to Protecting Gardens & Landscapes

Groundhogs (woodchucks) can undermine beds and wipe out harvests in a weekend. This guide explains what a groundhog-proof fence is, how to choose galvanized versus stainless wire mesh, and the exact steps to install an L-shaped buried apron that stops digging for good—plus a real case study and specs.

Groundhog damage in yard with dug-up soil and plant loss — Typical groundhog damage: burrows, mounds, and chewed plants.

Overview: What Is a Groundhog-Proof Fence?

Plain-English: It’s a strong wire barrier that goes into the ground and bends outward to stop burrowing, while the above-ground portion blocks access to your beds.

Technical: Constructed from 20-gauge heavy-duty commercial-grade wire with 3/4" mesh openings on a 100' roll. The small aperture stops groundhog paws and snouts from pushing through while allowing airflow and water to pass.

Why this works: The buried horizontal L-apron creates a “false floor.” When a groundhog tries to dig at the fence line, it hits mesh and gives up.

Material Options & Lifespan (Choose What Fits Your Site)

Galvanized Steel (Double Hot-Dipped): A robust, economical choice with an estimated 6–10 year service life. Great for most gardens and moderate soils.
Stainless Steel (T-304 / 18-8): Superior corrosion resistance and longevity—25+ years typical—ideal for wet, coastal, or high-fertility soils and for below-grade installs where replacement would be disruptive.

Tip: If you’re burying the apron near sprinklers, compost, or persistent moisture, stainless pays for itself over time.

How to Install a Groundhog-Proof Fence (Step-by-Step)

Groundhog in a lawn near garden beds where a groundhog-proof fence will be installed — Plan an L-shaped buried apron to stop digging at the fence line.

Lay out the line: Mark the perimeter. Plan gate locations and corners; measure total linear footage.
Dig the trench: 12–18" deep along the line. Keep the spoil on the outside to backfill the apron.
Set posts: Drive T-posts or set wood posts 6–8 ft O.C. so mesh stays taut.
Attach mesh: Unroll the 3/4" wire and fasten to posts. Leave at least 12–18" of mesh below grade to create the apron.
Form the L-apron: Bend the bottom section outward (away from the protected area) and lay it flat in the trench.
Backfill & compact: Cover the apron with soil, tamp lightly to remove voids, and check for gaps.
Finish height: Keep 24–30" above grade. For climbers, you can angle the top 6–12" outward.
Gate bottoms: Add a short buried apron or threshold plate under gates to prevent “weak spots.”

Pro tip: Use stainless fasteners with stainless mesh to avoid galvanic corrosion; trim sharp edges with a folded hem for safer handling.

Mounds of dirt indicating burrowing activity in a yard — Mounds by the fence line signal where to focus your trench depth.

Case Study: Community Garden Wins Back Its Harvest

Site: 60' × 40' urban community garden bordering a wooded ravine; repeated crop loss from burrows along the north edge.

Challenge: Volunteers reported daily damage to beans and leafy greens. Prior attempts with repellents and raised beds failed as groundhogs tunneled underneath.

Solution: Installed 3/4" mesh, 20-ga fence with a 12–18" buried L-apron and 24–30" above-grade height. Stainless (T-304) was selected for a long-term fix due to persistent irrigation and compost moisture. Gates received matching buried thresholds.

Results: Zero burrow breaches in the first growing season; visible dig attempts stopped at the apron.
Maintenance: Monthly walkthroughs to check tension and re-tamp any settled soil along the apron.
Outcome: Harvest volume up significantly; volunteers re-planted high-value crops with confidence.

Takeaway: A correctly sized mesh (3/4"), a deep enough trench, and a well-formed L-apron outperform repellents and ad-hoc barriers—especially where digging pressure is high.

Specs at a Glance

Wire Gauge	20-gauge heavy-duty, commercial-grade
Mesh Opening	3/4" (balances exclusion with drainage and soil interaction)
Roll Length	100' (easy staging for beds, pens, and perimeters)
Finish Option 1	Galvanized steel, double hot-dipped; estimated service life 6–10 years
Finish Option 2	Stainless steel (T-304 / 18-8); estimated service life 25+ years
Use Cases	Vegetable beds, orchard rows, ornamental borders, sheds/chicken runs (skirt), residential & commercial landscapes

FAQs

How deep should I bury the fence to stop groundhogs?

Bury 12–18" and form a horizontal L-apron pointing outward. This stops digging at the fence line.

Is 3/4" mesh small enough?

Yes. 3/4" openings prevent groundhogs from pushing through while allowing water and air movement around plants.

Galvanized vs. stainless—what should I choose?

Galvanized is cost-effective for typical sites (6–10 year life). Choose T-304 stainless for wet/coastal soils or permanent below-grade installs (25+ year life).

How tall should the above-ground portion be?

Keep 24–30" above grade. In high-pressure areas, angle the top outward 6–12" to deter climbing.

What about gates and corners?

Add a buried apron under gates and overlap/secure mesh at corners to remove weak spots.

Ready to Groundhog-Proof Your Garden?

Share your linear footage, soil conditions, and whether you prefer galvanized or stainless. You’ll get sizing help and a materials list tailored to your layout.

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