Will a fence keep coyotes out of my yard?

A tall, solid fence with no gaps and a secured bottom is one of the best ways to keep coyotes out of a yard. On this West Hills project we installed 6-foot wrought iron fencing with tight pickets, carried down close where the fence meets the retaining walls so coyotes can't slip under. Coyotes are agile, so for the most exposed yards we also recommend adding height or a roller/extension at the top; we'll advise based on your lot during the free measurement.

How tall should a coyote fence be?

Six feet is the practical minimum for a coyote barrier, which is what we built in West Hills. Coyotes can jump and scramble, so the fence also needs no footholds, tight picket spacing, and no gap at the bottom for them to dig or squeeze under. Where coyotes are very active, a taller fence or an angled top extension adds more security.

How much does a wrought iron backyard fence cost?

Installed wrought iron fencing typically runs about $50 to $100 per linear foot, depending on height, terrain, gates, and old-fence removal. A taller wildlife-barrier fence like this 6-foot West Hills run sits toward the upper part of that range. We give a firm written quote after a free on-site measurement.

Do you install fences in West Hills and the San Fernando Valley?

Yes. Apexguard Fence installs custom wrought iron, metal, and other fencing across West Hills, the San Fernando Valley, and greater Los Angeles. We're a licensed (CSLB #1148097) fence and gate contractor and every project starts with a free on-site measurement and a clear written quote.

Wrought Iron Coyote Fence in West Hills, CA

The project at a glance

Location: West Hills, CA (west San Fernando Valley, greater Los Angeles)
Goal: Keep coyotes and wildlife out of a backyard up against the hills
Fence: 6 ft tall custom wrought iron / welded metal fencing
Length: 180 linear feet along the backyard perimeter
Build: Fabricated and welded on site — spear-top pickets, tight spacing, stepped along the slope and timber retaining walls
Timeline: Completed in 3 days

6-foot black wrought iron backyard fence in West Hills, CA, built to keep coyotes out, by Apexguard Fence

Local work: a 6-foot wrought iron backyard fence in West Hills, CA — 180 feet of welded metal fencing built as a coyote and wildlife barrier. Built and installed by Apexguard Fence in 3 days.

The problem: coyotes in the backyard

West Hills sits right up against the open hills at the west end of the San Fernando Valley, and with that comes wildlife — coyotes are a regular sight, and larger animals wander down out of the brush too. The homeowner wanted their backyard closed off so pets and family could use it without worrying about what might come over the line. They needed a fence that was tall, tough, and hard to climb — not just a privacy screen, but a real barrier.

Why wrought iron for a wildlife barrier

For keeping animals out, welded wrought iron is hard to beat. It's rigid, gives no footholds, and can't be pushed through or chewed the way lighter fencing can. We built the run at 6 feet tall — the practical minimum for a coyote barrier — with tight picket spacing so nothing squeezes between the bars, and carried the pickets down close where the fence meets the timber retaining walls so a coyote can't slip underneath. Because we fabricate and weld on site, the fence steps with the hillside grade in a clean, continuous line with no weak gaps.

Long run of 6-foot black spear-top wrought iron fence along a hillside retaining wall in West Hills, CA — The run following the slope, carried along the timber retaining walls.

Front view of tight-spaced spear-top wrought iron pickets on a coyote fence in West Hills — Tight-spaced spear-top pickets — hard to climb, nothing squeezes through.

What the job involved

Walking the backyard line and measuring 180 feet of perimeter along sloped, hillside-adjacent ground.
Setting steel posts in concrete footings, plumb and square, to carry a tall 6-foot run.
Fabricating and welding the iron fence sections on site to follow the grade in a clean line.
Keeping picket spacing tight and closing the gap where the fence meets the retaining walls, so nothing slips through or under.
Finishing the metal for the Southern California climate so it stays rust-resistant with little upkeep.
Wrapped start to finish in 3 days.

Does a 6-foot fence really stop coyotes?

A 6-foot wrought iron fence with tight pickets and a secured bottom stops the vast majority of coyotes — it's tall enough that they can't clear it easily and offers nothing to grip on the way up. Coyotes are athletic, though, so for the most exposed yards we also suggest adding height or an angled top extension, and making sure there are no woodpiles, bins, or planters next to the fence that give them a boost. On this West Hills project we sized the fence to the yard and the homeowner's needs after seeing the property first-hand — which is exactly why we measure on site before quoting.

Thinking about a coyote or wildlife fence?

Apexguard Fence designs and installs custom wrought iron fencing, fence installation, and gates across West Hills, the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, and greater Los Angeles. If wildlife is getting into your yard, we'll come look at the property and build a barrier sized to your lot.

Call (626) 692-3568 or request a free estimate and tell us about your yard.

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Apexguard Fence is a DBA of Apexguard Construction · Licensed, Bonded & Insured · CSLB #1148097.