Match the fence to the job
- Cattle: barbed wire or pipe and cable, with braced corners.
- Horses: pipe fence or no-climb wire. Barbed wire is a poor choice around horses.
- Goats and sheep: woven field fence, tight to the ground.
- Deer and exotics: high game fence.
- Frontage and entries: welded pipe fence, often painted, for looks and permanence.
Hill Country ground
Rock, slope and thin soil make post setting the hardest part of the job. Crews use drills and rock bits to set posts properly, and corners and gate posts need solid bracing so the fence stays tight.
Gates
Plan gates for the biggest equipment you'll bring through, and think about automation for entry gates you use every day. Solar operators work well on remote gates.
Draw it first
Use the map on this site to trace your fence line on an aerial photo and drop gates. You'll get an accurate length, and the crew sees the layout before they drive out.
Questions
What's the longest-lasting ranch fence?
Welded pipe fence lasts for decades with little upkeep. Painting it extends its life further.
Do I need a survey before fencing?
On a property line, it's wise. Fence on the wrong line is a costly mistake.