Snow and Beach Erosion fence is often utilized to protect roads from drifting snow as well as to control plowhead snow from falling over bridge decks. It is also used to protect small trees and bushes from harsh winter snow drifts. Along the Atlantic seacoast and extending down to the more southern climates, this fence is referred to as beach erosion fence (or sand fence) as it is commonly used to protect sandy beaches from eroding under the powerful strain of the ocean waves.