By Guest Author Martin Powell.
With lot sizes getting smaller and smaller, fences are becoming important aspects for homes. It helps protect the privacy of each household, and it allows people to enjoy their morning coffee without having a front row view of their neighbors. However, traditional fencing can also feel very restrictive, especially for smaller spaces. Thankfully there are many alternatives when it comes to fencing, one of which is a living fence. So let’s explore the basics to growing a living fence and why it’s a better alternative to traditional fences.
Going about starting a living fence
A living fence is a permanent hedge that serves the same purpose as a manufactured one. It makes use of plants and trees in order to provide privacy, security, and divide boundaries more clearly. For those considering growing a living fence, there are lots of things to consider. For one, there are various ways to go about it. The kind of living fence you should grow depends on two factors: the type of plants that easily grow in your region, and the configuration of your lawn. It’s important to do your research on both factors beforehand. It also helps to determine how high you want the fence so that you’re able to plant precisely depending on your coverage needs. For example, there are some situations where a single serviceberry tree or a river birch already provides adequate screening.
Landscape architect J’Nell Bryson suggests installing a group of plants to create a thicket for a more natural effect. Staggering different plants works better than planting a single type of plant in a line. By doing this, it has the potential of losing the entire living fence in the event of a pest attack or disease. Bryson also says thickets are attractive because they add depth and dimension due to the different heights, colors and textures.
Living fence alternatives
If gardeners don’t want to grow a living fence from scratch, there are many options that make use of an eco-friendly base. Garden screens made from natural materials use resources that are more environmentally friendly and will provide a good base for plants to climb up. Screwfix’s list of garden screens demonstrates how many are made from natural materials including reeds and bamboo. Bamboo blocks the wind and helps provide shade for more sensitive plants to grow below it. You can also opt to install a vertical trellis made of wood that will encourage vines or clinging plants to grow. Climbing plants such as clematis, ivy, rose, or creeping fig are prefect for trellises as they intertwine with the beams. If you have limited space, you can also consider raised beds or eco-friendly containers that can help provide height.
Growth of a living fence
The time it will take to grow a living fence depends on the plants you use, but count on a year or more for plants to grow into the effect you desire. The Spruce recommends growing shrub willows because they’re easy to plant and they grow quickly. They reach heights of 15 to 25 feet in three years. That being said, having a living fence also requires continuous pruning to keep it at the shape and height you desire. The pruning isn’t difficult however, since it will be similar to the maintenance needed for a regular hedge.
Environmental considerations
Having a living fence can have many positive benefits for homeowners. For one, a living fence is usually more aesthetically pleasing compared to traditional fences. It also blocks dirt and pollution coming from the outside world. Aside from that, the root systems of living fences also help keep your soil healthy by stabilizing it. This is especially helpful for gardens growing produce. They also work as windbreaks and prevent your soil from drying or wind erosion. This increases yield if you’re planting vegetables, herbs or flowers in your garden.
In general, more plants help create a better environment for you and your neighborhood. It is important to remember that your garden has an impact on the environment. What goes on in our backyards or gardens, no matter how small, can contribute to climate change. Building a living fence can be our little contribution to a cleaner, more environmentally sustainable earth.
Author’s Bio: Martin Powell is a garden and lifestyle writer. He contributes to numerous websites and blogs in a freelance capacity.