Fences come in all shapes and sizes as well as building materials, but nothing quite matches the natural beauty and environmentally friendly properties of a living fence. The definition of a living fence is (not surprisingly) a fence that is made from living shrubs or trees, and it can also be referred to as a hedge or a ‘green’ fence.

Green fences are not only durable, long-lasting, cost-effective and ideal for privacy screening, if they are constructed as a visual extension of a home’s living areas, they are aesthetically beautiful as well.

If you’re a homeowner with an unsightly fence, you may be considering disguising its harsh appearance and obtain some privacy by planting bushes, trees or climbing plants on the fence line.

Unfortunately, some plants in contact with or growing over a fence can contribute to its rapid demise. Wooden fences are prone to rotting as climbing plants, for example, prevent access to sun and air and thwart the seasoning of the timber.

On wire or metal fences, plants can hamper painting or the application of anti-rust compounds that can prolong its life.

Green fences require little maintenance, can ensure year-round privacy and often don’t need any additional foliage to screen or disguise them.

Holes or gaps generally don’t appear in a living fence due to individual plants dying off, and there is a huge range of species that can be used to construct them.

They can also create an effective wind barrier, increase a home’s security and if constructed as a visual extension of a home’s living areas, be aesthetically beautiful.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.