Fences allow homeowners to create a sanctuary for privacy and safety.  Often, they are erected on property lines of residential and commercial properties. The fence can represent a boundary where people or pets are allowed to wander, or not allowed to cross.  Thus, they also serve the purpose of containing animals or children in a yard for safety. A fence can be practical or more aesthetic in nature. A fence does not have to look ugly or unsightly. For example, they can create a backdrop for your residential or commercial property, or provide a background for garden plantings. 

It is important to consider the scope of your project before placing your order. For example, what do you want your fence to accomplish for your space? Is it to create a border wall for a garden, a backdrop for your property, create separate spaces from the neighbor's yard, or contain pets or farm animals? These are important questions to consider when planning your fence.

Types of Fence Materials

One of the first considerations in your fencing project is to determine the type of fence you want to build. Cost and budget may dictate your fencing project. The main types of fencing materials are chain link, vinyl, wood, and aluminum. PVC slats may also be used. Keep in mind that temporary fencing structures may be erected to keep people out of a dangerous building site or manage a concert venue; often plastic netting is used for these scenarios. Fencing Direct can supply your vinyl and aluminum fencing materials for your project. 

Vines versus Fence

Fences need to be installed properly to avoid sagging or damage. Plants in a garden can cause damage to a new fence.  This may create more work for the person managing the fence if they have to make repairs or control plants that are too aggressive. 

Vines are notorious for causing damage to fences.  Many are aggressive growers, and if allowed to grow too close to the fence, they can cause damage. 

There are four main types of vine growth.

• Twining vines
• Tendrils
• Aerial rootlets
• Hooks

Twining vines wrap by encircling their stems on other structures like plants, houses, or fences. Wisteria and trumpet creeper both are twining vines that can wrap themselves around trees or fences where they are allowed to spread. 

Tendrils are modified leaves that wrap around supports. Grapes and passion flowers have tendrils on their vines that allow them to adhere to surfaces.

Aerial rootlets are modified roots that attach themselves as the vines grow straight up. Examples include English ivy or Virginia creeper.  These aerial roots can grow into wood or stone, and their attachment can cause paint to peel off structures.

Vines with hooks include blackberries and roses that attach themselves to structures by hooking their stems using prickles. These vines can also have prickles that irritate skin and cause cuts that are painful. 

If a homeowner wants plants to grow on their fence for aesthetic purposes, they may consider a small clematis that is manageable. It is lighter weight than other climbing vines. This vine may not cause the same structural damage as other vines, e.g. wisteria.

It is necessary to consider the weight of the vine, which depends upon the species of the plant. When building a fence, it is important to be aware of the plant’s growth over 5 to 10 years as it continues to spread.  Many vines can accumulate significant biomass in that time period and can weigh hundreds of pounds, putting stress on the fence.  

Fence Issues with Other Plants

A gardener may want their fence to have a walkway to avoid plants interfering with their fence. A good rule of thumb in planting beds for vegetables or flowers is to leave at least 18 to 24 inches of space between the bed and the fence. This ensures the plants have room to grow. 

A fence should never be built directly where tree roots will interfere with the structure and integrity of the fence. Trees growing near fences can cause damage to the fence when the roots interfere with the fence posts that are buried underground. The tree roots may interfere with the fence panels and cause damage over time as the tree continues to grow and the roots spread.  Trees increase in size and may disrupt the fence structure and stability. They also may drop limbs that can impact the integrity of the fence. 

Lastly, a hedge may be considered a natural alternative to a fence that provides shade and privacy. This will take time to grow as the shrubs mature and put on height over time, but can be an option for property lines. It is important to leave space for shrubs and perennial plants to grow.

Fence Access

It is also necessary to have easy access to your fence. A fence will naturally need to be mended over time due to pests or weather-related incidents. For example, underground pests burrowing through your fenced area, or branches falling on fence rails can cause damage to your fence structure. A damaged fence that contains pets or livestock will need to be fixed immediately to avoid animals breaking loose from their pens. If a homeowner or farmer continues to catch their animals outside of their pen, they may need to check all fence posts and rails to ensure the fence is intact and safe.

Fencing Direct

Fencing Direct offers products for your DIY projects at home. All materials are shipped straight from the manufacturer to your door making it easy and accessible to complete your projects quickly. Visit our website at fencingdirect.com to view our products. We offer fencing materials for DIY customers to install on their property. 

It is important to contact your Homeowners Association to ensure the fencing material you choose meets their bylaws and standards. Some customers opt for more aesthetically pleasing fences, such as wood fences. It is important to be cognizant of the by-laws and statutes of your HOA to avoid fines or having to redo a project from start to finish if it breaks the HOA code.

Contact Fencing Direct. Our team is available for questions during business hours on weekdays, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern standard time.