A pocket gopher fence should be installed at least 24 inches below ground (or down to the hardpan or bedrock) and 6 inches above ground. Use a 36-inch wide roll of ½-inch (2mesh)hardware cloth. Before placing the hardware cloth perpendicularly in the trench, the bottom 6 inches should be bent outward at a 90-degree angle. Note: The mesh barrier may be breached since gophers are capable of digging much deeper than 24 inches. Raised beds can be protected from gopher damage by screening the bottom side with ½-inch (2mesh) hardware cloth. Groups of bulbs (gophers are reported not to eat daffodil bulbs) and other plants needing long-term protection can be placed in mesh baskets.
