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Building A Garden Fence
Written by: Sintilia Miecevole
They are privacy and shelter are two important things in the
garden. The latter is often a problem in gardens which are
exposed to cold prevailing winds. Both these points are
important not only for the gardener himself, but also for the
plants in his garden.
Young growth can be severely damaged by cold winds and frequent
buffeting will cause a great deal of root disturbance. Although
privacy and shelter can be provided by trees and shrubs, fences
also have an important part to play.
The choice of fencing must never be undertaken lightly, for
serious consideration must be given to its appearance and
construction.
Strength is very important. A fence is only as strong as its
supports. Most fences are supplied with strong posts, usually
4-6in (10-15cm) square. Sometimes concrete posts are supplied;
these are extremely strong. Strength of timber also depends on
the prevention of rot, and unless cedar wood is used (except for
posts), all timber should be treated with a suitable
preservative. Creosote can be used, although it should be
allowed to soak into the timber for several weeks before plants
are trained against it. Unless this is done, there is the danger
of stem and leaf scorch and its use is not generally recommended
where plants are to be grown against or near a fence. A safer
treatment consists of the use of copper naphthenate
preservatives such as the green, horticultural grades of
Cuprinol or Solignum.
Types of fencing
The most popular types are purchased as units or panels. Usually
they are from 5-6ft (1.5-1.8m) in length with heights varying
from about 3-6ft ( 90cm-1.8m). A solid or close boarded fence
is, as its name implies, a design which consists of upright or
horizontal strips of wood, some 6in (15cm) wide and 1in
(2-2.5cm) thick. The strips are nailed to two or more supporting
rails at the rear of the panel. These provide complete privacy
and wind protection.
Weather board fencing consists of wedge-shaped strips of wood,
(1 in 2cm) in thickness at one edge, tapering to 0.5 in (1cm) at
the other. Each strip overlaps the next by about 1 in(2cm). The
advantage of this design is that it is virtually peep proof.
Trellis fencing is suited as a support for climbing and trailing
plants. It is not a strong design but can be used to good effect
for covering unsightly walls or as an additional part of a fence
design. It usually consists of laths of wood 1 by 3/4in ( 2.5 by
1.5cm) thick, fastened across each other vertically and
horizontally to form 6-8in (15-20cm) squares. The laths are
attached to a more substantial framing of 1 or 1in (2.5 or 3cm)
square timber.
One of the latest advances in fence production is the sale of
kits which are so accurately machined and complete that even an
unskilled person can erect panels without any trouble. With
these kits have come new ideas in design, and many can be made
up into contemporary designs. This is especially useful where
bold effects are required in the construction of patios. Many
ultra-modern properties are being built and this advance in
fence appearance will be welcomed by their owners.
Fencing can also be provided in the form of chain link or mesh
netting. The best quality is heavily galvanized to withstand the
rigors of the weather.
A more recent innovation is the plastic coating of chain link
over the galvanized wire. Standard colors of dark green, black,
white, yellow and light green can be obtained.
About the author:
Sintilia Miecevole, Host of http://www.bestfencebuilding.com,
loves to see a great looking fence. Click on
http://www.bestfencebuilding.com to see everything from
installation, concrete, chain link, discount, contractors and
invisible fences to lattice, gates, ornamental, pet, underground
and much more. Come and have a look!
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