
Garden
fencing
The fence has a symbolic
role - that of defining the boundary of a property. It is useful to know to whom the fence belongs
and whose responsibility it is, therefore, to maintain it. Find out as soon as possible, in order to avoid
problems later. A fence should not be thought of as a nuisance, or an unnecessary expense, but rather as a
feature to enhance the garden, or the framework within which the landscape is created. As such, it warrants
consideration as careful as that given to every tree or shrub.
Nothing looks worse, and
few things can more effectively destroy the ambience of a garden, than a poor quality wooden fence. The
interwoven larch type is just such a fence, which, although cheap, can be very prone to wind damage - sometimes
the whole structure can be blown over - and to distortion of the individual laths. A fence in a state like this
creates the impression of untidiness, and a garden that is poorly cared for, irrespective of the appearance of
the rest of the plot.
Another disadvantage of
this type of fence is that you will be obliged to treat it regularly with a wood preservative if it is to
maintain a decent appearance, and survive the ravages of the elements. The wooden supports are particularly
prone to rotting at ground level, unless they are placed in metal casings to protect them. Overall, these fences
are ugly, they are ineffective as wind breaks, and they are also liable to exclude too much sunlight. They are
cheap and easy to erect, but you should consider carefully their visual impact a few years
later.
Good quality wooden fences
of a more solid construction, on the other hand, can make an important contribution to
the appearance of a garden. It is relatively easy to include curves in them, and these can provide an
interesting extra dimension to the design.
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