How deep should the trench be? We highly recommend a minimum trench depth of 4-6 inches. If high winds, water runoff, loose terrain and/or small mammals are a concern, we recommend a greater depth to provide added stability.

How do you affix the fence to posts? Are there pre-drilled holes? Animex fencing is solid plastic with no holes. To affix the fence to posts, drill one hole in the fence where you want it using a 3/16" spade bit, then feed a washer and ziptie through the hole and around the post. The washer will cover the hole. Depending on the height of the fence, a vertical line of two to four washers/zipties should be installed per post. 

Can I use my own washers and zipties? Animex washers function differently than standard washers, and are made to secure zipties while creating a flush, non-abrasive surface that also covers the drill hole. Our zipties are made from heavy-duty nylon 12 or stainless steel to provide added strength, durability, UV- and weather-resistance. Most other zipties will fail in weeks or months. 

Is Animex difficult to install? Animex is installed following a similar procedure as standard silt fence. Dig a trench (uniformly straight/flat, and four inches deep or more), install posts at the desired spacing, put the fence in against the posts with the base in the trench, and attach the fence to the posts using zipties and washers (see install specifications).

Can you install Animex in areas where topography changes? Where the slope changes, install a post at the hinge point, cut the fence ~6 inches beyond the post, pull the remaining fence panel to overlap ~6 inches at the post, and install washers and zipties through both fence panels. 

Is Animex wind resistant? As a solid barrier, Animex is not wind resistant. In areas where high winds are expected, we recommend installing additional washers/zipties at posts, reducing the post spacing, bending the bottom lip to serve as an anchor, and/or utilizing strand(s) of support wire. Taller fences may be subject to greater wind forces.

Can we install Animex above ground (trenchless)? If ground conditions or permit conditions do not allow for trenching, Animex can be installed above ground by bending the fence at the pre-scored lines, laying the bent (now horizontal) lip on the ground, and securing the base with sandbags, gravel, soil nails or similar. By default, Animex fencing is scored at X and Y inches from the bottom, but this can be modified to fit your project needs. For example, above-ground installations for kangaroo rats and desert tortoises often utilize a 12-inch horizontal lip. 

Does Animex allow water through? We carry both perforated and non-perforated (solid) fence options. Perforated fencing allows water permeation at a rate similar to silt fencing. Our solid HDPE Animex fence options do not allow water through; however, holes (1/8-inch or 1/4-inch recommended) may be drilled in areas where water flow is expected. 

Can Animex be re-used? Yes, Animex fencing can be reused, if care is taken when removing the fence and the drill holes are reused or blocked. Our thicker, semi-permanent fence affords a longer lifespan and greater reusability. 

Do I need to fold the bottom and top lips?