While all fences provide their properties with the function of enclosing a space and serving as a barrier between it and the outside world, fences also have the potential to offer aesthetic appeal and therefore supplement the garden or yard even more than usual. A simple fence can easily be transformed into a statement landscape piece through the addition of plants, including shrub plants, climbing plants, container plants, and trees.
Anyone can dress up an average fence through an easy do-it-yourself project of planting some flowers, trees, or other plants nearby. Whether you are just now installing the fence or want to improve a fence that has been around for years, there is no need to settle for a boring, dull fence when you can make it better suit the space!
Why Add Plants to a Fence?
There are a variety of reasons why homeowners and business owners alike choose to add plants to their property’s fences. Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, plants help make fences more visually appealing. Many plants have colorful leaves and flowers that add a nice contrast to the color of the fence, while also camouflaging it with the surrounding natural landscape. Therefore, the fence does not stand out so much and can even add to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor area.
This project can also add to the value of the property. Investing in the landscaping of your outdoor space makes it more welcoming to guests, as well as potential buyers, who may be more likely to see themselves living or working there due to the practical yet also aesthetically appealing fencing choices.
Additionally, planting any sort of flowers, vines, or other plants along a vertical surface helps take advantage of this bonus space. Rather than taking up zones of the garden or yard that could otherwise be used for furniture or entertaining space, adding plants to a fence gives you all the benefits of planting foliage without requiring any of the normal space.
Types of Plants to Add to Fences
Shrub plants: Adding shrub plants against a fence line offers not only a more interesting and appealing view of the fence, but also a sort of second barrier between your property and the surrounding area. This is a very simple process, as you do not need to first install wires or tires on the fence, but rather can plant the shrubs directly in the ground next to the fence. Shrubs can either be tall enough to cover the entire fence or be lower to the ground to just feature the fence.
Climbing plants
Perhaps the most obvious answer to what type of foliage can be planted against a fence line is climbing plants. After adding some wire or providing another structure on the fence that a plant can cling to, the climbing plants can grow to a variety of different heights and offer a mix of green leaves and gorgeous, colorful flowers. When considering climbing plants for your fence, be sure to choose something more lightweight, such as roses, rather than a heavier plant like wisteria.
Container plants
If the area near your fence lacks good quality soil and therefore would struggle to grow plants in the ground, then adding container plants to the space may be your best option. Add potted plants along the border of the fence to supplement the visual appeal of the area without needing to plant them directly in the ground. You can even choose some colored or patterned pots or other containers to add to this aesthetic.
Trees
Though sometimes overlooked when it comes to plants that supplement fence lines, trees can also be planted along your fence to dress it up a bit. Shorter and taller trees alike, with all sorts of flowers or even fruits, make fencing barriers seem more natural and visually appealing.
Choosing the Best Type of Plant for the Fence
When choosing the type of plant, including trees, vines, flowers, and bushes, that you want to plant along a fence, perhaps the most important deciding factor of the process is the type of fence it will be cohabitating with. Not all plants can work with all fences, so be sure to acknowledge the type of garden fence you have or will have installed when making any decisions about the plants.
If the fence is already somewhat aesthetically appealing and you are not interested in covering it completely, then perennials may be a good option. Or, if there is not a lot of available space in the garden, then narrow plants that hug the fence line, as opposed to large trees and bushes next to it, may be best.
In addition, it is important to remember that climbing plants need something to cling to and attach themselves to. Solid wood fences would need wires or tires attached to them to support climbers, while trellis panels and fences with spaces between rods or wires can already host climbing plants without additional construction and maintenance work.
On the other hand, if you choose to add plants that hug the fence line instead of climbing up onto the fence, these plants need to be able to survive in shady areas. They should also be capable of being shaped or trimmed occasionally so that they will not expand toward the fence too much.
Things to Keep in Mind
While there are uncountable options for how to dress up your fence with plants, there is sure to be a plant that is a perfect for your unique fencing structure and overall outdoor space. By considering the functionality and aesthetic factors that you are looking for, you can make this fabulous landscaping dream a reality!
Are you ready to get started? Fencing Direct sells and ships fencing materials to customers for a variety of do-it-yourself jobs and projects. We offer quality products from reliable manufacturers shipped directly to your door. Call us today for a free quote on your upcoming project, as well as more advice on how to create, install, and accent your perfect fence.
