It may take some time to reach the height and thickness of a living fence that your property requires but it pays in the long run. It gives you a breeze in the hotter months, clearer air, beauty and privacy. It is a green boundary that enhances your landscape. It also offers privacy and security. Living fences are unlike traditional fences. They’re created from plants that combine to form a natural barrier.
Shall we dive into the process of building a living fence together? Here is our guide on how to achieve a beautiful and natural outdoor space with a living fence.
Table of Contents
Introduction and Understanding the Concept of Living Fences
Other names for living fences are also green fences or hedge fences as it’s made of living plants. People select and plant them to make a natural barrier between properties or spaces. These fences offer many benefits. They include privacy, less noise, wildlife habitat, and erosion control. Also, living fences can clean the air. They give shade and make your landscape look better.
Benefits of Building a Living Fence
There are several advantages over traditional hard fences, such as being eco-friendly and keeping the temperatures around your property lower in the hot months, plus green fences offer shelter for birds and insects. They also help to filter air and water. They can look better than traditional fences. They add texture, colour, and motion to the landscape. Living fences are also flexible and adaptable. They let you create unique shapes to fit your needs and preferences.
1. Selecting the Right Plants for Your Living Fence
Factors to Consider When Choosing Plants
There are a number of factors to consider before selecting the shrubs for your living green fence. These include climate, soil, sun, and the fence’s desired height and density. Make sure to choose shrubs that are low-maintenance or else you’ll have to trim your fence way too regularly. They should resist disease and fit your region’s growing conditions.
Best Plant Options for Living Fences
- Privet is popular for living fences. It grows fast and has dense foliage. It also adapts to many growing conditions.
- Boxwood is popular for its green leaves. It grows compact and is useful in landscaping. If you’re not a fan of straight lines, this type of shrubbery can be left untrimmed and will still give your fence a natural and casual look without being too bushy.
- Arborvitae is tall and slim. It’s ideal for privacy screens. Also, it resists deer and needs little care.
2. Planning and Designing Your Living Fence
Assessing Your Space and Needs
Before planting your living fence, assess your space. Identify your needs and goals.
Think about property lines and sun exposure when planning your fence. Existing landscaping features and desired height and width also matter.
Design Considerations for Living Fences
When designing your living fence, think about the look you want. Consider how the fence will match your existing landscape. Consider adding many types of plants. They will add texture, colour, and seasonal interest to your living fence. You may also want to add decorative elements. These could include pathways, seating areas, or garden art. They will enhance the beauty of your living fence. You can check out our post on the 7 rules for DIY landscaping.
3. Establishing and Planting Your Living Fence
Preparing the Site for Planting
Firstly, clear the space debris, weeds and other vegetation. After that, add some type of fertiliser or compost to boost the fertility and drainage of the green fence. Finally, think about installing irrigation or drip systems. They will ensure that your plants get enough water during establishment.
Planting and Caring for Your Living Fence
Plant your chosen shrubs or trees based on their spacing needs. Make sure they have enough room to grow to their full size. Water newly planted trees or shrubs often in the first year. This will help them grow strong roots. Put mulch around the base of each plant. This will save moisture, stop weeds, and protect the roots from temperature changes.
4. Maintaining and Pruning Your Living Fence
Regular Maintenance Tasks
Take great care of your living fence by doing simple tasks regularly! To help your living fence grow healthy and fast, you need to water and fertilise it often. Also, when you notice diseased or dead branches, you should remove them ASAP. This prevents disease spread and keeps the fence healthy. Most importantly, remember to be safe while doing garden maintenance.
Pruning Techniques for Living Fences
Help your living fence thrive! Some shrubs require pruning at least once a year to keep them healthy and happy, others may require more often pruning. Remove any branches that are dead, damaged, or getting too big. You can also shape your plants to fit your style. Just remember to use sharp, clean tools and make clean cuts, so you don’t hurt your plants. Or simply turn to a tree surgery service to take care of your living fence.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Benefits of Your Beautiful Living Fence
To sum up, having a living fence offers a number of benefits and is also very beautiful. Unlike traditional fences, they reduce carbon footprints and promote biodiversity. And of course, they require maintenance, but the benefits outweigh the here-and-there trimming chore.
Building a living fence is a rewarding project. It offers both practical and beautiful benefits for your landscape. Choose the right plants. Plan and design thoughtfully. Provide proper care. Then, you can create a living fence. It will give privacy and security. Thus the outdoor space of your property is given a certain charm and enhanced green beauty.
