I have been using Dig Defense XL and the 9" around porches, patios, fences, hvac units, etc. It works very well but I was wondering if there is a lower cost option. Of course, I pass the cost to the client, but what is anyone else using?

Thanks

1/2” hardware cloth

We still use 1" x 1" vinyl coated 16 ga wire that we get in 4' length rolls. It does require digging to install but works very well. More labor than the Dig Defense but blends nicely and does the job. We use commercial landscape pins to hold the wire down where needed. We have some barriers in the high 20 plus years in the ground.

1/2×1/2 for me. If the ground has too much root and rocks to dig, I'll attach to shed, etc and just lay cloth on top of ground, pin it down, then bring in a load of 3/4" crushed stone to cover. Looks good and easier than digging. So far, no customer regrets.

We’ll use stone or digging where appropriate. The nice thing about stone is you can do the job when the ground is frozen.

1/2 X 1/2 vinyl coated hardware cloth.

The digging is made much easier with a mini-rototiller attachment to a weed eater.

I've been using 1/2 inch hardware cloth, 2 ft wide rolls. I secure it to building/deck with exterior screws and fender washers, nothing is pulling it out. If customer doesnt' like the appearance of the fender washers, cover with a strip of pressure treated decking ripped down to the correct width, stain if customer wants it, (good opportunity to upsell beyond the ordinary exclusion.

Dig 6 inches below grade, angle hardware cloth away from building 90 degrees and bury with excavated soil. if paranoid anchor the hardware cloth to the ground with 10-12 inch landscape spike nails before backfilling soil. These are expensive so factor into your price if doing that.

I use either 1x1 or 1 x 1/2” 16 gauge vinyl coated welded wire. Usually Riverdale wire but sometimes Fencerwire brand.

Heavy duty 1x1 for me

Some examples