Living fences are becoming a more popular option as we seek to find alternative methods for property lines that is more aesthetically pleasing to establish boundaries. They are not new to many societies but have been used traditionally for centuries as an effective boundary. It was able to deter predators and even today is still used in many tropical countries as a cheaper alternative to wood or metal. It offers beauty and charm to the space allowing for a more natural long-term solution that blends with the ecosystem while serving multi-purposes for privacy, shelter, food and year-round beauty.
For a number of years living fences have played an important role for agricultural purposes and everyday life. European, African, Asian and other Tropical countries have used this technique of dense interwoven hedges, or other tropical plants to divide farmland, securing livestock ,assist in soil preservation from erosion. They provided food like berries, nuts and herbal medicine, supporting wildlife and made vast contributions to the eco system.
Many hedge growers in various parts of the word have continued this practice and consider it of vital importance. The eastern part of Africa uses the acacia plant as an effective method of keeping intruders and animals away. This is due to its thorny branches which is a deterrent providing protection. The Caribbean, Asia and parts of India uses the hibiscus and the moringa plant which serves as food and allow for privacy. Some Latin American countries like Brazil will use fast growing trees as a protection from the wind and also to improve the soil.
What is a Living Fence
A living fence is a boundary consisting of plants which include shrubs, trees or perennials in close proximity to form a natural wall or partition. Its purpose is to establish boundaries for privacy, wind protection or sources of food for both humans and wildlife.
A large number of hedges are used today by planting shrubs in close proximity where they will evolve into a dense barrier which can also be shaped into various formations. The artistic mind will be able to showcase their impressive designs and revolutionizing the space. Another alternative method is to use row trees planted close enough to create a tall barrier. The advantage is for privacy, shade and for wind protection. Trees can also be interwoven using flexible saplings to create a physical barrier this will create a sturdier fence as the roots and saplings develop.
Why Use a Living Fence
We often think of a fence as a means of securing our property or establishing boundaries which help to keep others from intruding on your property. If we took the time to examine the many benefits a live fence has to offer, we may be inclined to invest and choosing them as an alternative to using metal or wood and embrace this method as an advantage for the environment. It can be at a low cost to you, and it depends on your plant selections. There is also the option to start them from seeds which will save you the cost of purchasing a mature tree. Choosing fast growing plants are more effective because the boundaries begin to form much quicker.
Adding Privacy
Living in close proximity to highways or cities can become annoying at times due to the constant flow of traffic. Planting trees as a method of noise reduction is advantageous as they allow the noise to be filtered especially using the ones that create a dense foliage and grow at a rapid pace creating a natural visual barrier and seclusion for the homeowner. Tropical climates use the bamboo as a method to eliminate on lookers. At the beginning stage, they will seem to be dormant for the start of its growth moving at a slow rate for a few years. Then suddenly growth begins to occur at a fast rate sometimes growing over 130 feet in heights to its maturity.
For colder climates use evergreens like arborvitae will help to maintain seclusion. The green giant has been known to grow quickly offering privacy and shielding the property growing up to heights of up to 60 feet once they have reached maturity. In cold climates, deciduous trees shed their leaving the area more open to the surroundings and less privacy. The place which was once lush with greenery will become sparse and unconcealed. Evergreen plants will maintain the same look even when winter has arrived. It is a good method to maintain privacy and it requires minimum winter care. While the traditional method of fencing is quicker to establish, in the long run once the living fence begins to grow it will become aesthetically more attractive and an advantage for the environment and can last for a longer period without much maintenance.
Creating Security
In tropical climates using plants like roses and bougainvillea are appealing to the homeowner. They set boundaries for the average intruders making the possibility of trespassing more challenging. They also are aesthetically pleasing to any garden offering beauty and security. Other thorny plants which also includes cactus and orange trees are used because of their thorny limbs which make them a good choice in creating a multipurpose option for the space. It is possible that using this option may seem intimidating or that your security can be compromised. A blending of a sturdy structure can be incorporated. In this case using supplementary security measures can be added like wood or iron to include live plants as an additional option as another strategy. Your choices will reflect your own individual priorities for your own safety to live comfortably.
Wind Protection and Sun Protection
Areas that are prone to windy conditions especially in cold climates that have heavy snow falls, a living fence consisting of trees will help to reduce the exposures of damages the wind can cause. Planting shrubs and trees in the pathway of the wind will help to reduce the wind speed and create less of an impact for damages of personal properties. Serving as shelter from its intensity and preserving gardens and also acting as a shield for farmers who have invested in livestock. Shrubs like dogwood and evergreen plants are useful offering year-round protection. Investing in trees are beneficial especially in rural areas creating a sustainable microclimate in areas that have more exposure to the elements.
In Tropical climates living fences provide shade and also help to reduce the hot temperatures by helping to cool the surrounding areas and help to maintain the moisture in the ground. They are also used in areas that are prone to drought conditions. Helping to avoid too much evaporation which can result in losses of plants.
Biodiversity and Wildlife Support
As we seek to make improvement in our planet. It is important to engage in ways in which we can help to sustain it by the integration of shrubs, fruiting plants and perennials that are attractive to pollinators like birds, bees and butterflies who will use them for shelter, a food source and nesting. By choosing native species, these plants are able to adapt more quickly to the environment providing resources that pollinators and other wildlife depend on. This creates a resilient space that functions as a benefit to wildlife and also helps to encourage ladybugs to remove the unwanted pests naturally creating an ecosystem that functions effectively. This helps as an effective method in reducing the amount of pesticide used in the environment creating a healthier and greener space.
Multi-Functional Landscaping
Using a multi-functional fence is advantageous especially in warm climates where there is minimum concern for cold weather and the sunshine creates the right environment for things to grow quicker. Plants like neem, hibiscus and the moringa have been grown as food and for medicinal purposes. Some plants are able to thrive and do well in cold temperatures and this concept should be considered when making plant choices. Selecting the right plant choice will depend on your zone and the temperatures that can affect the survival of the plant. In recent years farmers are making right choices by using cold-tolerant shrubs. There are more growers now planting shrubs like Saskatoon berries which have become quite popular for their jams and jellies. Other herbs, teas, nuts and greens are grown mainly because they are easily maintained and requiring minimum work. Some choices that can be considered to your selections for edible plants are raspberries, elderberries, currants or gooseberries, hazel nuts and a grapevine attached to a trellis.
Planning your Living Fence
A thorough planning of your fence is essential to define its purpose as a boundary. Without a plan this can lead to an unruly hedge that is completely out of your control. A purpose should be established for either for security, privacy, wind protection or you may be interested in using it as a means to enhance your property making it more aesthetically pleasing and increase its value. With these objectives in mind this will determine the precise layout that is needed.
Your environment plays an important role to the plants survival based on the soil type, the frequency of rainfall and the exposures to sunlight. If your focus is to have a low maintenance hedge these factors are important for its health and growth.
Be selective in choosing the right plants. Decide if you want evergreen, flowering bushes or incorporating a blend of plants to create what you wish to achieve. Create your layout to involve spacing allowing species that require more room to spread, or you may want to create different patterns using the technique of a staggered pattern with single or double rows to create density and some privacy.
Some plants have the ability to grow faster than others. There are those that need a structure like a trellis to trail on until they are fully established. Keep this in mind when making your selections of plants.
Investing in a living fences will take some time to grow and develop. It will not sprout overnight some patience on your part is required. While the plants are being established focus your attention on soil health, use mulch as a technique to help them grow and using compost will improve the soil adding a natural fertilizer and boost the soils productivity.
Once the fence is established it requires pruning to keep the shape intact. Preventive measures from disease and pests will be required. Continuing to add mulch is an effective method to keep the moisture in and the plants hydrated especially for areas with low rainfall conditions.
Things to Avoid
Planting too many plants in close proximity to each other creating overcrowding. This will prevent the roots from developing properly and blocking the sunlight from reaching other plants. Be specific about the specie that will be a good fit for your environment. Otherwise, it will lead to poor development and hinder it’s growth and eventually the plant will not survive.
Being neglectful in caring for your fence will result in overgrowth, disease and pests which will eventually spread to different parts of your garden destroying other plants. The result will be a need to destroy what is affected.
If you are new to this type of fencing a good way to start is to begin on a small scale. Using a section of the garden to create this would be beneficial. Then if you have overcome this challenge then you can sale up like using a portion of your backyard for privacy. Once you have become more experienced you will be encouraged to take on a much larger project learning each day and becoming more proficient until the experience becomes more professional.
Soil Erosion Prevention
The root system of plants offers a good support and are effective for stabilizing the soil. The soil can become unstable during rainy season or from deposits of snowfall. In cold temperatures the ground which was a solid mass of ice begins to thaw and melts. Plants are effective in reducing erosion and any runoff that occurs during these wet periods. The roots form a network which is able to bind the soil together and prevents a resistance for the soil from moving from its current location. Live fences provide the stability needed as an anchor and also makes a valid contribution to the health of the plant adding organic material through decomposition. They offer a natural method that is effective and sustainable creating an effective ecosystem.
Keeping Boundaries Naturally
As we seek to find ways to maintain a more sustainable lifestyle. Living fences offer a functional natural alternative method compared with the traditional boundaries. Living fences can become adaptable in various seasons with a variety of colours and textures making the garden always in constant bloom. They are especially beneficial to many pollinators like birds and other insects who will find your garden space attractive for food. You can expect a boost in your crop production from these visitors.
Another advantage of a living fence is the absorption of noise, privacy and a wind buffer especially for areas with a lot of open space and are prone to windy conditions. In comparison with the traditional fences. The living fence eliminates the need to use costly materials and in come case the traditional fences will need special treated lumber or other plastic materials. What is required on your participation is some thought to the planning in creating a positive boundary that is an effective ecosystem.
In cold zones, living fences provide privacy, stability for the soil. The warmer regions can benefit by planting drought- resistant plants throughout the year. What is advantageous is the possibility to change the fence, shape it in into your own design. If you are not completely satisfied with it, you can change it to match your own style and garden needs.
If you have thought about engaging in this method of making your garden stand out why not get started by making this change to your surroundings. A living fence can offer you a more natural way whether you prefer edible plants, flowing ones or evergreen this type of boundary can offer you beauty and make that special space stand out. It only requires a bit of creativity.
Keeping in mind that this investment will take some time to grow and will not be productive overnight but with a little care and nurturing over time it can become that special space. If each person would take the time to participate and make small changes one day at a time, we will be helping to reduce waste, reducing our carbon footprint, support biodiversity by allowing pollinators to find places to nest and feed from which we will all benefit as they help to increase the production of our crops.
Let your space become not just a sanctuary for your own enjoyment but a place of vision, making responsible choices for the future and for the environment. Moving towards sustainability and preservation leaving behind a legacy for all to enjoy.
Image generated by AI using OpenAI’s DALL·E.