Living green fences, also known as hedge or windbreak fences, provide an attractive and eco-friendly solution to enhance privacy and protect your garden from harsh winds, especially in the UK’s coastal areas. These fences are not only a decorative feature but also a functional one. They are made of various types of plants, which can withstand the storms and strong coastal winds while providing a natural habitat for wildlife. In this article, we’ll delve into the process of installing a green living fence, covering the selection of plants and materials, the proper placement and maintenance of these fences.
Selecting the right plants for your green fence
Choosing the right plants for your green fence is critical. The plants you select need to be suitable for the UK coastal climate, which can include high wind levels and salt spray. They should also be able to provide the level of privacy you desire.
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Among the best plants for green fences in coastal areas are Euonymus, Bamboo, and Privet. These plants are not only wind-resistant but also grow quickly, providing a dense cover in a short amount of time.
Euonymus is a versatile plant that can withstand salt and wind, making it ideal for coastal areas. It has dense, leathery leaves that provide excellent windbreak and privacy.
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Bamboo, specifically Clumping Bamboo, is another excellent choice for a living fence. While they can grow tall and provide robust privacy, they don’t spread uncontrollably like their Running Bamboo counterparts.
Privet is a traditional choice for hedging. It can tolerate most soil types and conditions, including coastal ones, and its dense growth makes it an excellent choice for privacy.
Choosing and installing the right fence materials
Once you’ve selected your plants, the next step is to choose and install the right fence materials. The two main components of a green fence are the wooden posts and the panels.
The wooden posts provide the structure for your fence. They need to be sturdy enough to withstand the winds and weather conditions of the coastal area. Choose posts that are pressure treated to resist rot and decay. You can use concrete to secure the posts firmly into the ground.
As for the panels, they will serve as the initial barrier while your plants are growing. Temporary panels can be made from various materials, including wood or bamboo. These panels should be flexible yet durable, able to withstand coastal winds while also allowing the plants to grow through them.
To install your fence, start by marking out the area where the fence will go. Then, dig holes for your posts, ensuring they are deep enough to provide a firm foundation. Place the posts in the holes, then fill in with concrete. Once the posts are secure, attach your panels to the posts.
Planting and cultivating your green fence
After your fence structure is in place, you can start planting. Place your plants along the inside of the fence, following the manufacturer’s recommended spacing to ensure they grow correctly. Some plants, such as bamboo, might need to be contained within a barrier to prevent them from spreading too much.
The key to a successful green fence is regular maintenance. Prune your plants regularly to keep them at the desired height and density. This will ensure they provide the best windbreak and privacy. Be sure to water and feed your plants as necessary, and watch out for any signs of disease or pest infestation.
Choosing a green fence for privacy
A green fence is an excellent choice for adding privacy to your garden. The dense growth of the plants can provide an effective barrier, blocking the view from outside and creating a secluded space within your garden.
When choosing plants for privacy, consider their growth rate and ultimate height. Bamboo and Privet, as mentioned earlier, can quickly form a tall, dense barrier. But other plants, such as Box (Buxus sempervirens), can also work well. Though slower growing, Box can be trimmed into precise shapes, creating a formal hedge that can add an elegant touch to your garden.
Protecting your green fence from harsh winds
In coastal areas, protecting your green fence from harsh winds is crucial. The fence itself can act as a windbreak, protecting the rest of your garden from the wind. But the fence and plants will also need some protection.
Firstly, choosing wind-resistant plants is essential. As we’ve mentioned, species such as Euonymus and Bamboo are well suited to withstand gusty conditions. But, in addition to this, some structure might be necessary, especially when the plants are young and still establishing. This is where your wooden posts and panels come in. They provide the initial windbreak for the young plants until they can withstand the conditions themselves.
But protection doesn’t stop there. Regular maintenance, including pruning and feeding, helps keep your plants healthy and more capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. In extreme conditions, you might need to add additional, temporary windbreaks, such as hessian or polythene screens, to protect your green fence.
Installing a green fence in a UK coastal area involves careful selection of plants and materials, careful planting and cultivation, and ongoing maintenance to ensure it provides both privacy and wind protection. But the result can be a beautiful, thriving fence that is not only attractive but also a boon to local wildlife and the environment.
Opting for Fast Growing, Low Maintenance Climbing Plants
The speed of growth and level of maintenance are two key factors to consider when choosing plants for your green fence. If you’re looking to establish a robust privacy hedge swiftly, opting for fast-growing species is the way to go. Among the most suitable choices are Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) and Ivy (Hedera helix), which are both quick to cover fence panels and thrive in the UK’s coastal climate.
Honeysuckle is a fast-growing, climbing plant that provides an instant splash of colour and a delightful fragrance. It is a low maintenance plant, requiring minimal pruning, and is resistant to most pests and diseases. The dense growth of Honeysuckle also acts as an effective natural windbreak.
Ivy, on the other hand, is an evergreen climber that offers year-round coverage. It requires minimal maintenance, and once established, can tolerate a wide range of weather conditions, making it ideal for coastal areas. However, it’s essential to keep it in check, as unchecked Ivy growth can potentially damage wooden fence structures.
These fast-growing, low maintenance climbers provide an aesthetically pleasing boundary, giving your outdoor space a natural look while also enhancing your garden’s biodiversity.
The Aesthetic Appeal and Cost-Effectiveness of Dead Hedge Fences
For those seeking an eco-friendly and cost-effective fencing solution, a dead hedge might just be the perfect choice. Dead hedges, also known as ‘layed hedges’, comprise of stacked branches, twigs, and other garden waste. They provide a sustainable and naturally appealing barrier that requires minimal maintenance and can withstand the UK’s coastal weather conditions.
Dead hedges are a particularly good choice if you have a large garden with plenty of tree or shrub pruning waste. Not only do they provide an effective windbreak, but they also offer an excellent habitat for wildlife, helping to enhance local biodiversity.
Creating a dead hedge is relatively simple. Start by installing sturdy fence posts at regular intervals along the boundary line. Then, simply stack your garden waste between the posts, packing it down to create a dense, robust barrier.
A dead hedge may not be as instantly appealing or provide as much privacy as a green giant hedge or a wooden fence, but it does offer a unique aesthetic appeal that improves over time as the hedge matures and becomes a haven for wildlife.
Conclusion
Installing a green living fence in a UK coastal area requires careful consideration of several factors. The choice of plants is crucial, and fast-growing, low-maintenance climbers such as Honeysuckle and Ivy can be excellent choices. Dead hedges offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative, providing an aesthetically pleasing and wildlife-friendly solution.
Regardless of the plants you choose, the correct installation and regular maintenance of your fence are paramount. This includes the usage of sturdy, weather-resistant fence posts and panels, and regular pruning to maintain your fence’s aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Ultimately, the beauty of a green living fence lies in its ability to provide privacy and protect against strong winds, while also enhancing the natural beauty and biodiversity of your outdoor space. With the right care and attention, your green living fence can transform your garden into an oasis that thrives in the harsh weather conditions of the UK’s coastal areas.
