Using Fences as Gardening Tools
The most common attitude towards gardens is that they are places where small manageable flowers and vegetables are grown. Very little attention is given to the part played by fences in actually enhancing plant growth. Fences in fact play a very important role in the well-being of garden plants. At Smarter Fencing, we know and capitalize on this knowledge.
Types of garden fences
The first thing to consider, are the types of fences available and their function in relation to garden plants as listed below:
- Timber: The sturdy and almost indestructible nature of timber fences make them ideal for protecting the garden from the elements. They require very little maintenance and their appearance is very enticing. Solid timber fences also assist the growth of vegetables and climbing plants
- Picket: In reality, apart from their artistic appearance and style these fences act as actual windbreaks that cushion wind impact from any direction. They are also tough and sturdy fences that allow the wind to flow through the plants without harming them. Other fences totally block wind flow from the garden which tends to stifle the plants. These fences are particularly suitable to large flowering plants.
- Colorbond: The steel makeup of this type of fence is deceptive because while it is sturdy and strong, it conducts heat and must therefore be placed at some distance from the plants, otherwise they will wither. They are nevertheless versatile in their ability to keep out salty air and dusty winds that can deposit dirt and grit into the garden.
- Pool: These pool fences have many favourable qualities but the major one is their ability in organize the landscape pattern of the garden and surrounding grounds. They also provide safety for playful kids who roam around the house grounds and effectively cordon off access to the landscaping from wandering animals and careless people.
- Steel: Fences of this type usually consist of steel mesh or chain wire to form versatile barriers to the elements, animals and humans. In many cases they are used in a camouflaged form such as a green colour that blends in with the garden’s green colour.
Fences as gardening tools
The location and issues that a garden faces will ultimately determine the type of fence it requires. In this sense, it is the fence that answers the call to action and therefore becomes a tool that ultimately controls the welfare of the plants.
- A garden that is located at the waterfront and succumbs to salty winds and transportable dirt, the suitable type of fence is one made from Colorbond or solid timber.
- If a garden is located west it will be under the dictates of heat from the summer sun. To alleviate the situation a Colorbond or solid timber fence is the ideal option.
- A garden located north comes under the influence of dry winds and low humidity and these it will also needs either a Colorbond or solid timber fence.
- In the rural areas where heat, animal intrusion and local climates dominate, a picket steel fence or a solid timber fence is the right choice.
- If a garden is located in the urban areas, conducted heat poses the most threat to plants and the panacea is in the construction of either a Colorbond or solid timber fence.
- In shaded areas the presence of light on the plants is the critical factor and the picket fence is seen as the best solution to let in as much light as possible.
At Smarter Fencing we can provide whatever type of garden fencing you need and if you are thinking of installing the perfect fence for your garden, ring us now on (02) 8091 3881 and one of our expert staff will visit you for detailed discussions on your exact fencing needs for your garden.