Decorative metal fencing is very popular in Lakeway and all over the Texas Hill Country. Unfortunately, certain types are deadly for people and wildlife. I am talking about spiked fences and open picket fences.
With spikes (see above photos for some of the variations), the danger is obvious. Animals leaping over the fence are often impaled on the spikes. In Lakeway, this happens frequently with our deer; if just a leg is caught, the deer may be able to get free and recover, but most of the time the injury is to the abdomen and results in an agonizing death. Also, a person climbing a spiked fence can be caught on the spikes (a neck injury can be quickly fatal), and anyone falling onto a spiked fence will be impaled.
With open pickets (see the photo above), people and animals can be impaled, just like with spikes. But, children can also get their necks caught in the top openings between pickets; this can cause unconsciousness and death.
For these reasons, only flat-topped fencing is safe.
CHANGING THE LAW IN LAKEWAY
In fall of 2018, Citizen Advocates for Animals (CAFA), campaigned to have the City of Lakeway ban new metal fences with spikes or open pickets. We were originally concerned about the many deer impaled on these dangerous fences. It is tragic for the animals, as well as gruesome for residents; it also takes up the time and effort of our police officers, who are called by distraught homeowners. Other communities require flat-topped fencing, whether due to safety concerns or because it is considered the most sleek and modern style. Happily, it also tends to be less expensive.
While we were working on our request, a local news station had coverage of a Georgetown toddler who died in spring of 2018, when his neck was caught in a neighbor’s open picket fence. (See below for more info on Kade Damian and his family.) That was when we realized this wasn’t just an animal issue–it was a safety issue for people as well. Also, a construction worker in San Antonio was severely injured when he slipped off a roof and was impaled on the homeowner’s open picket fence. So, in 2018, we had 2 tragedies nearby, with dangerous fences and people.
CAFA renewed its efforts. The Wildlife Advisory Committee agreed unanimously to recommend to Council that these dangerous fences be banned in Lakeway going forward. In February of 2019, City Council unanimously passed that ordinance, and all new fencing must have a continuous flat top.
Now, Lakeway needs to get the word out about the hazards of spiked and open picket fences. So many Lakeway properties have these dangerous fences already in place. My fear is that these families think their kids are safe playing in their fenced yards. People need to know the fence itself poses a danger, so they can decide how they want to deal with that. Fences are supposed to protect, not kill.
In 2019, a child died in Fort Worth when a fence spike pierced his neck. Many other severe injuries and deaths of adults and children have occurred throughout the US and in other countries. So, if you have a dangerous fence, please understand it is a hazard to people (kids and adults), as well as to wildlife and pets. This creates a liability issue for homeowners and businesses. Compassion aside, everyone should be concerned about that.
The good news is that under Lakeway’s new fence rules, you do NOT need a city permit to make your existing fence safe, since it is deemed a repair. (NEW fencing does still need a permit in Lakeway.)
SEVERAL WAYS TO REHAB METAL FENCES AND MAKE THEM SAFE
1–A matching metal rail can be welded along the backs of the open pickets to create a flat top. (Depending on the style, this may or may not work with spikes.) Since most homeowners cannot weld, this will likely require a professional. The cost can be reduced by getting a group of area homeowners to have their fences rehabbed by the same company. In 2018, a home I just bought had a short run of exposed picket fencing; I had a metal rail welded along the top. Here are before and after photos of my fence.
2–The spikes or pickets can be sawed off flush with the existing upper rail, creating a flat top. To see an example of a spiked fence made safe this way, go by the new police station on Lohmans Crossing; the 4’ high decorative metal fence along the Lohman’s Spur sidewalk was erected with spikes just before the ban took effect, and a concerned citizen donated funds to pay for a fence company to make it safe. Here are before and after photos of that fence.
This can even be done as a DIY project by a handy homeowner. Just remove the protruding spikes or pickets with a sawzall. Then, plug the holes at the top of each picket, to keep water out; rubber caps are available from Amazon (around $40 per 100). Here is a short video showing how a local homeowner did this–
3–Remove the fence panels and replace them with flat-topped panels. If the posts are in good shape, they can remain; this saves money, since digging post holes and cementing them in won’t have to be done.
4–Install coyote rollers on the top of the fence. These are aluminum cylinders that deter coyotes (and large dogs) from jumping a fence. These animals jump upward and then pull themselves over the top of a fence; the cylinders spin, so they cannot get traction. Deer jump differently, so the rollers would simply shield them from dangerous spikes and pickets. Humans are also protected. Go here for examples and info– https://www.alliedfence.com/coyote-rollers/
Here is a good resource on dangerous fencing and how to make it safe, with helpful photos– https://www.kadeskrusaders.org/way-to-modify-your-fence
KADE DAMIAN
The tragic death of Georgetown, TX, toddler Kade Damian deserves special attention, whether you are a parent, a grandparent, or anyone with a spiked or open picket fence at your home or business. Please take 2 minutes to watch this news coverage video. https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/georgetown-mother-fights-for-safe-fences-after-sons-tragic-death
The Damian family is trying to get communities and cities to ban dangerous fences.