A living fence is a natural way of defining your yard's boundary while keeping it beautiful and eye-catching. These hedgerows need a lot of patience to achieve but absolutely worth trying.
Take your garden space to a whole new level and learn more about growing a living fence in this article!
In this article:
- What Is a Living Fence
- Why a Living Fence Is the Best Choice for Your Garden
- What Plants Are Most Ideal for a Living Fence
- How Do You Grow a Living Fence
RELATED: 10 Front Garden Ideas You Can Use For Small Spaces
A Living Fence | Everything You Need to Know
What Is a Living Fence
A living fence, commonly known as a garden fence, green fence, or hedge is made of well-grown bushes, flowering shrubs, trees, or plants tough and dense enough to replace a ready-made or manufactured fence.
These plants are rooted to the ground and planted close to each other. With proper knowledge and techniques, anyone can grow a natural and gorgeous garden fence.
This type of garden fence also serves almost the exact function of manufactured fences, but it is more eco-friendly and supports ecological diversity by organically providing food and refuge to various animals.
Why a Living Fence Is the Best Choice for Your Garden
View this post on Instagram
A living fence is the best type of fence for a garden because it doesn't stop at providing us with defined boundaries for our property. It is also aesthetically beautiful, giving us the best view every single day!
- Its natural beauty attracts good energy from beautiful creatures. Species such as insects, birds, butterflies, bees, and other mammals find food in a green fence that promotes natural balances in the ecosystem.
- A garden hedge also creates an effective wind barrier reducing wind speed and disperses it in different directions. As they become stronger over the years, a living fence maintains your home's privacy and security.
- Not only beautiful and multi-functional, they're also long-lasting and cost-effective. They require little maintenance and can increase their value without you having to spend a lot of money, effort, and time.
- Destructive insects such as termites, dry rot, and carpenter ants won't be a problem in growing a garden hedge, while it remains a continual struggle in managing a manufactured or “dead” wooden fence.
RELATED: 29 Inspiring Front Yard Landscapes
What Plants Are Most Ideal for a Living Fence
You can start off with seeds and cuttings or buy fully grown plants. If you prefer buying your plants, choose the smaller version so you'll be able to save a little money, plus you can grow them on your own terms.
If you plan on growing a hedge from seeds or cuttings, make sure to choose fast-growing plant varieties. Also, they should be resilient to cattle and other animals.
Aside from that, your living fence should serve multiple uses and valuable functions that can contribute to your way of life, other living creatures, and to the environment.
There's a wide selection of plants, trees, shrubs, and vines to help you transform your property into a secluded area. The following are some of the most ideal plants, shrubs, and trees for a living fence:
- Arborvitae
- Bamboo
- Boxwood
- Cactus
- Evergreen Tree
- Honeysuckle
- Mulberry
- Privet
- Skip Laurel
- Trumper Creeper
How Do You Grow a Living Fence
With a lot of patience, growing a living fence is relatively easy. Remember, plants need enough time to grow fully and healthily.
- Choosing the right plant is the first step in growing a living fence. Consider plants that are suitable for your land and your capabilities as a grower. Give yourself time to analyze each plant before deciding.
- Plant them close to each other making sure their leaves and branches will interlock to ensure there are no noticeable gaps. This will assure your living fence will grow dense and sturdy.
- Take care of the plants and train them to naturally grow outward. Pruning your plants regularly is also important to remove outgrown and dead branches which, later on, promotes the growth of the plants.
Watch this video by Backyardscape for some of their favorite natural fences:
A living fence is a great way to elevate your garden. It serves so many valuable functions that are beneficial to people, animals, and the environment. Plus, it keeps your garden from frolicking feet and prying eyes!
If you're looking for a more natural way of creating boundaries and a privacy wall for your garden and living space, growing your own living fence might be the best choice.
What are your insights about growing a living fence? Let us know in the comments section below.
Up Next:
- Garden Landscape | A Quick Design Guide And Nifty Ideas For Beginners
- Small Garden Ideas And Tips | How To Design Gardens In Limited Spaces
- 13 Best Bedroom Plants To Purify The Air
Calling all green thumbs, Garden Season needs YOU!
Click here if you want to write for us!
Want to stay up to date? Follow Garden Season on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
