Chicken wire , also called poultry netting and hexagonal netting, is a versatile material that’s used in a wide variety of applications. It’s usually fabricated from relatively thin steel wires that are woven together with large, mostly hexagonal openings. It’s a staple for building cages for poultry and other small animals, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to uses for this useful material. It’s a common go-to for gardening and landscaping projects, home improvement, DIY pet projects and many other uses.

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In the garden, chicken wire can be used to create an organic pest control measure that keeps rabbits, groundhogs, skunks and other predators out of vegetable gardens, flower beds and more. The mesh is also great for creating trellises that support and encourage plants to grow in vertical directions.

The one area where this fencing falls short is against larger air-borne predators. A hungry fox can tear through it with ease, while other predators like raccoons and snakes can easily burrow underneath the mesh.

On the crafty side, chicken wire can be used to give a bit of stability to papier-mache sculptures. It’s also a go-to solution for making frames that hold fabric, ribbons and other materials like plant material or even yarn for weaving. For a festive touch, make a floor-to-ceiling chicken wire Christmas tree that’s allergy-friendly and can be decorated with lights and ornaments for a rustic farmhouse look. This can also be a great way to get children involved in a family project.