Should Animal Fence Be Buried? Here’s Why Going Underground Matters

If you’re installing a barrier to keep animals out or in, you may be wondering: Should animal fence be buried? The short answer is yes, in most cases. What many property owners don’t realize is that the biggest threat to fencing success isn’t just what climbs over it, it’s what digs under it.

From raccoons and rabbits to groundhogs and foxes, burrowing animals are persistent. If your fence stops at ground level, they may treat it like a challenge instead of a barrier.

Why Fence Burial Matters More Than You Think

A fence that looks secure above ground may offer zero protection below it. Many small to medium-sized animals instinctively dig to get around obstacles, especially if food, shelter, or safety is on the other side.

The question “Should animal fence be buried?” comes down to this: If your fence doesn’t account for digging, it’s only doing half the job. Burying your fence, even just a few inches, adds a critical layer of defense that most animals won’t bother trying to beat.

Animals Known for Digging Under Fences

Different animals present different risks depending on your region and goals, but these common culprits are known to dig:

• Rabbits: Small and fast, they can squeeze under tiny gaps and dig shallow tunnels overnight.
  
• Groundhogs (Woodchucks): Known for creating deep burrows that undermine structures.
  
• Foxes: Smart and agile, they’ll dig if climbing isn’t an option.
  
• Raccoons: While excellent climbers, they also dig near weak fence points.
  
• Coyotes: Strong, determined, and capable of digging surprisingly deep when motivated.
  

If you’re fencing to keep pets in, these same animals can cause distress, injuries, or direct confrontations if they get through.

How Deep Should an Animal Fence Be Buried?

A common recommendation is to bury the fence at least 6 to 12 inches below ground, depending on the animals you’re targeting. For tougher situations, like groundhogs or foxes, 12 to 18 inches is ideal.

Another effective strategy is to bend the bottom of the fence outward in an L-shape (called a “digging barrier”) so animals hit a horizontal wall as they dig, which usually discourages further attempts.

What Kind of Fencing Should Be Buried?

Not all fencing is made for underground use. Thin or uncoated wires may rust quickly, while soft materials can break down under soil pressure.

If you’re burying a fence, consider these features:

• Galvanized steel or PVC-coated wire mesh (to resist corrosion)
• Smaller mesh size (to prevent squeezing through)
• Strong horizontal structure (for L-shaped installations)

If you’re buying animal fence materials, double-check that they are labeled as safe for burial. Critterfence, for example, offers several fencing rolls specifically designed to withstand soil conditions and digging pressure.

Situations Where You Definitely Should Bury the Fence

Here are some examples where the answer to “Should animal fence be buried?” is a clear yes:

• Keeping rabbits or groundhogs out of a garden
• Protecting chickens or small livestock from foxes or coyotes
• Securing pet enclosures in wildlife-heavy areas
• Preventing wild animals from undermining sheds or compost bins

In these cases, an unburied fence won’t hold up over time, and you may end up spending more on repairs or replacements later.

When You Might Not Need to Bury It

Not every situation requires underground fencing. For example:

• Deer fencing, which targets high-jumping animals, doesn’t typically need burial if deer are the only concern.
• Temporary fences for short-term use may not justify the effort.
• Hard ground conditions (rocky or frozen soil) might make burial impractical, but you can still use surface-level barriers like weighted edging or trenchless dig guards.
  

The key is to match your fence design to the actual threats on your property.

Other Digging Deterrents to Pair With Burial

While burying your fence is the most reliable method, you can also boost protection by:

• Placing large rocks or bricks along the base
• Using an electric wire low along the outside
• Installing a secondary mesh skirt above ground at the base

But remember: these work best with, not instead of, buried fence edges.

Final Thoughts: Secure the Bottom, Protect the Whole Fence

If you’re taking the time to install a fence, make sure it works from top to bottom. Skipping the burial step might seem easier now, but you could end up dealing with persistent digging, lost crops, or pet escapes later on.

So, should animal fence be buried? If you’re dealing with any kind of burrowing wildlife, the answer is a confident yes. A few extra inches of fence underground can save you years of frustration.