Once we consider fences, supplies like lumber, chain-link, stone, brick, and chickenwire have a tendency to return to thoughts. However what about shrubs and small bushes? They can be utilized to create what’s often called a “residing fence,” which is strictly what it feels like.
Although in some circumstances, a tall, sturdy, conventional fence is the simplest possibility, different instances, a hardy hedge could also be a greater match. Right here’s what to learn about residing fences, together with the perfect vegetation for the job.
What’s a residing fence?
If the time period “residing fence” isn’t ringing a bell, you might know them as “hedgerows.” Both manner, the idea entails making a bodily barrier made out of bushes, vegetation, and shrubs, as a substitute of chain-link, lumber, or wire.
Along with creating seen separations between property traces or sections of your yard, residing fences additionally present wind safety, assist with soil erosion, and entice birds and different pollinators. And whereas they do require some maintenance—normally pruning or trimming—so do conventional fences, which may change into weathered or rusty over time.
The very best vegetation for residing fences
When you’ve determined to create a residing fence, it’s vital to choose the correct sorts of vegetation, bushes, and shrubs to make sure that the barrier features and appears the best way you need it to. One factor lots of the vegetation used for residing fences—or at the very least those featured right here—have in widespread, is that they’re everlasting, and comparatively low-maintenance.
Among the finest vegetation for residing fences embrace:
- Laurel: Hardy, evergreen
- Boxwood: Conventional, evergreen, dense
- Privet: Quick-growing, evergreen, small white flowers in late spring or summer season
- Nigra arborvitae: Evergreen, grows in a triangular form, can develop as tall as 30 ft
- Bamboo: Quick-growing, tall, evergreen varieties obtainable for areas with chilly winters
- Thuja bushes: Quick-growing, evergreen, glorious wind safety
- Hicks yew: Evergreen, dense, spiky, produces crimson berries within the winter
As all the time, when unsure, contact your native extension workplace for his or her suggestions on residing fence vegetation finest suited to the local weather and different situations in your space.