Is your electric fence system not working correctly? Still not finding the problem – even after you inspected all of your equipment? The issue at hand might be right in front of you – and your fence. Heavy weed conditions could be your problem. Let’s talk about the importance of weed control around the fence line.
How Weeds Affect Electric Fences
Weeds, although quite unsightly, can also be drawing a significant amount of energy from your fence line. When weeds come in contact with an electric fence, voltage and amperage are drained from the fence to the earth. In heavy weed conditions, much of the joule output produced from the energizer may be drawn by the earth, which could short out your fence.
In dense weed conditions, your fence has a heavy fence load and low resistance. The specific amount of fence load is measured in ohms, the standard measurement of electrical resistance, and ohms is an inverted scale.
Therefore, low resistance equals low ohms and a heavy fence load (a lot of weeds on the fence). If you let the weeds on your property get out of control, they can jeopardize the effectiveness of your electric fence system.
If your fencing system perimeters a large area, it might be hard to determine where the heavy weeds are causing short circuits. With the Zareba® Fence Doctor, you can easily detect these shortages and locate where the problem is! This device works by using arrows to indicate the direction of the amp disruption.
This tester also measures line amps and voltage. Frequent checking on your fence for changes in volts or amps that could be due to seasonal conditions, like vegetation and moisture, can help you maintain your fence and catch early problems.
Choosing Chargers That Work Through Weeds
Low impedance energizers have the capability of increasing their energy output as fence load increases. As weeds touch the fence and draw voltage and amperage to earth, a low impedance energizer will begin to produce higher amounts of energy (joules).
These higher energy levels will overcome the voltage and current loss caused by the weeds and maintains energy levels on the fence line. If the wire remains in contact with the energizer, the energy can push past weeds or vegetation to keep the fence hot.
Zareba® low impedance energizers are designed to reach their maximum energy output at low resistance levels or low ohms. This allows our energizers to produce their maximum energy output when needed most: when heavy fence load is on the fence line.
Controlling Weeds Around Your Fence
Weed control is still needed to keep your electric fence system running, even if you purchase a low impedance energizer. The longer that you let weeds build up, the higher the possibility that they will affect your fence. Weed control methods to consider:
- Repair weakened areas near your fence line where weeds have a chance to take hold.
- Reduce foot traffic near your fence line. When soil gets compacted, grass has trouble growing, which poses the potential for weed growth.
- Mow grass at three inches or higher. This can help weaken weeds by shading them out.
- Apply organic weed killer, like Safer® Brand or chemical weed killer.
- Pull or use a weed whacker near the fence line and posts.
One of the easiest things you can do to prevent this problem is by keeping an eye on the condition of the vegetation around your fence, especially in the spring and summer months when there is a rapid growth of grass and other greenery. Weekly caring for your property can go a long way.
Don’t Let Weeds Get Your Fence Down
You have several options to consider when overcoming the weed battle. Which methods do you use to control weeds on your farm? Let us know on our Facebook Page. Zareba® makes it easy for you to stay up to date with our products, deals, and other information when you subscribe to our E-Newsletter. You don’t want to miss a thing!
