CritterGuard vs. Picket Fence: Which Keeps Rabbits Out?
By Greenes Fence Company: Cedar Raised Garden Beds ... | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Comparisons
Compare the CritterGuard fence set and a wooden picket fence for raised beds. See which barrier actually keeps rabbits out and which suits your garden.
Quick answer
For keeping rabbits out of a raised bed, the CritterGuard fence set is the stronger choice because its taller panels and push-in stakes create a physical barrier that rabbits can't easily jump or squeeze through. A wooden picket fence works better as a decorative border but offers less protection against determined rabbits.
Height and installation matter for rabbit control
Rabbits can jump about two feet high and squeeze through small gaps, so a barrier needs to be tall enough and have no openings. The CritterGuard fence set includes panels that stand 16.5 inches above the soil, which is below the typical jump height but works when combined with the fence's tight weave. The picket fence is 18 inches tall, but its open picket design leaves gaps that rabbits can slip through if they are determined.
Installation also differs. The CritterGuard panels push between the posts of a Greenes raised bed, so they lock into place without extra tools. The picket fence uses self-staking panels that you press into soft ground, which is quick but may leave gaps at the bottom if the soil is uneven.
Trade-offs to consider
- Protection level: CritterGuard's continuous panels block rabbits more effectively than the open picket fence, which has gaps between pickets. If rabbits are a known problem, choose CritterGuard.
- Installation effort: CritterGuard slides between existing raised bed posts for a secure fit, while the picket fence uses self-staking panels that are faster but may need adjustment on uneven ground. For a permanent, tool-free fit, CritterGuard wins.
- Looks and versatility: The wooden picket fence adds a classic, natural border that can go around trees or flower beds, not just raised beds. CritterGuard is designed specifically for Greenes raised beds. Choose the picket fence for decorative borders and multi-purpose use.
Product facts at a glance
- CritterGuard® Cedar Fence Set for 2 ft x 8 ft Cedar Raised Bed RCCG2X8: The CritterGuard fence set includes four 4-foot and four 2-foot panels, each 45 inches long and 23.5 inches tall, with stakes that push 7 inches into the soil. This means the fence stands 16.5 inches above the soil, creating a continuous barrier that rabbits can't easily jump or squeeze through.
CritterGuard® Cedar Fence Set for 2 ft x 8 ft Cedar Raised Bed RCCG2X8 - Brown Wooden Garden Picket Fence 36 in x 18 in RC75B: The brown wooden picket fence panels are 36 inches wide by 18 inches tall and self-stake into soft ground in a straight line or at an angle. The 18-inch height is similar to the CritterGuard, but the open picket design leaves gaps, so it's better for marking a border than blocking rabbits.
Brown Wooden Garden Picket Fence 36 in x 18 in RC75B
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Gardeners with a Greenes raised bed who want a simple, effective rabbit barrier
- Anyone who wants a low-maintenance fence that installs without extra tools
Not for
- Gardeners who need a decorative border around trees or flower beds
- Those who want a fence that can be angled or curved around irregular spaces
