Digging a hole under a fence is a still little-known practice. However, it is within everyone’s reach and can be very useful in winter.
Have you ever seen a fence with a hole in it? This practice may seem strange, but it is actually very useful. For many, a fence is above all a barrier. It protects the garden from intrusions, demarcates spaces, and, in certain cases, also serves to preserve privacy. However, some gardeners take the surprising initiative of making a small hole at the foot of their fence. At first glance, this gesture may seem paradoxical, even counterproductive. But in reality, it is an ingenious and little-known practice that brings several unexpected benefits.
The first reason why it is advisable to make a hole at the bottom of your fence in winter is to facilitate the passage of wildlife, and more particularly to help an endangered animal, the hedgehog. In many gardens, the fence acts as an impassable barrier for small animals such as hedgehogs, frogs, or even certain species of insects. However, these visitors are real allies for the gardener. Hedgehogs, for example, feed on slugs and snails, well-known pests of vegetable gardens. For their part, frogs help regulate the population of unwanted insects. By making a hole under your fence, you encourage the movement of these essential auxiliaries and contribute to their preservation.
You can do this roughly by simply cutting a small hedgehog sized hole in the bottom of the fence by cutting a few inches off the bottom of the fence for the hedgehogs to crawl under. You can also raise the entire panel a few inches so a hedgehog can squeeze under it (but not so high that a person can). Another equally effective method is to dig a little in the earth to allow the little creatures to squeeze through.
But that’s not all. In some configurations, a small space under the fence can also contribute to better rainwater management. This hole can serve as a drainage channel, preventing water from stagnating in certain areas of the garden. In addition, it promotes the circulation of living organisms in the soil, which enriches the soil and improves the health of the plantations.
Wondering how big the hole should be? Making a hole measuring 13cm by 13cm is the right size for a hedgehog to fit through, but too small for most pets. Don’t worry, this won’t make it any easier for cats to come and visit your garden. The hole will be too small, and they have no trouble jumping over your fence anyway. This will therefore not increase the number of feline visitors…