It’s that time of year: wildlife season. As many homeowners know, especially in areas where woods and undeveloped land are abundant, spring and summer awaken the bears, deer, groundhogs, wild turkeys and other creatures that tend to show up uninvited to your property.
Depending on design, property fences can be great for keeping wildlife out. But what about your driveway? That’s a large, unobstructed entrance – perfect for trash-seeking bears or hungry deer.
If you already have a driveway gate and are experiencing wildlife intrusion, you may need to add structural deterrents to prevent your fence and gate being another entryway for critters to wreak havoc on your yard. If you’re considering installing a new set of driveway gates, be sure to factor in your home’s exposure to wild animals. Homeowners who live in wildlife-rich regions may want to opt for certain gate designs to keep their property (and landscaping!) free from animal encounters.
WELDED WIRE MESH
Welded wire mesh is made with heavy wires that are welded at the joints or intersections. The wire diameter and the spacing between the wires come in a variety of sizes, from tight mesh (generally about 1 inch) to wider rectangles that are less obstructive. Generally, a wider mesh is adequate for keeping most animals from using your driveway gate as an open door to your property. You can also choose from diamond orientation or a square/rectangle-shaped openings.
This is an inexpensive addition to keep wildlife out of your driveway gate and can be easily factored into the design of a new gate, or added to an existing gate. Remember that if your surrounding property fence is also an open design, you’ll want to add wire mesh to the fence as well.
Take a look at the photos below (click for larger images) for examples of how wire mesh can be added to a driveway gate or fence to keep animals away.
Welded wire mesh on post and rail fencing
Welded wire mesh on a metal driveway gate
Welded wire mesh on a ranch driveway gate
PLEXIGLASS OVERLAY OR INSERT
Plexiglass can be added to your driveway gate as protection against animal intruders. The durable plastic inserts can be clear for a less obtrusive look, or can be frosted to add an interesting design element to your gate and increase privacy. Plexiglass is still less common, but seems to be gaining in interest.
Plexiglass added to a driveway gate
PICKETS
Pickets are the vertical posts on a fence or gate. Many gates have pickets incorporated into their design already, but if you’re intent on a more open gate style, you can add strategically placed pickets without compromising the airy feel of the entrance.
Strategically placed pickets on a driveway gate
SOLID-FRONT DRIVEWAY GATE DESIGN
It’s the most obvious route for keeping animals out: a solid-front driveway gate. Installing a solid gate from the outset will provide long-term protection to your property. It also offers maximum privacy and enhanced security from human intruders, too. You’ll find plenty more solid-front gate designs in our wooden driveway gates photo gallery (as well as a few in our iron and metal gates gallery).
Solid-front metal driveway gate design
Solid panel wooden driveway gate
GATES DESIGNED WITH MINIMAL OPENINGS
Do you have your heart set on an open-design driveway gate? You can work on a design that minimizes the space between openings to keep the larger animals (such as deer and bears) out of your yard. These types of driveway gates can be highly ornamental or use clean, straight lines, and can be either wood or wrought iron. Take a look at the below examples for ideas.
Ornate wooden driveway gate design
Ornate driveway gate design
Located in Bedford Hills, New York, Tri State Gate is a leader in automated driveway gates and related security systems in the New York – New Jersey – Connecticut tri-state area. Contact us at 914-244-0018 for design help, installations, gate repairs, maintenance, and free, on-site consultations.
