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How to Choose Fencing for Your Garden The first thing to remember is the function of the fence, your garden fence marks, secures and protects your property. To establish which sort of fence is right for you start by asking yourself a few basic questions • What’s the main purpose of the fence? • Does it need to provide privacy? • Does it need to provide shelter and a windbreak for your plants? • Does it need to stop your pet from straying? • Does it provide a backdrop for your floral displays - does it need to be aesthetically pleasing? • Are you willing/able to do maintenance on your fence? • and the all important question what’s your budget? Also consider the size of your garden when choosing a fence. In a smaller garden for example, a common technique employed by experienced garden landscapers or fencing contractors to make smaller gardens appear more spacious is to use horizontal lines in their design concepts, elongating the space to make it appear longer. In a larger garden, fencing can be used to define different areas. Decorative fence panels can work beautifully as a backdrop for n 14 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022
climbing plants or to separate a patio, or to screen bins and storage areas. LARCHLAP Larch-lap panel fencing is a common type of budget fencing made of horizontal slats. Like closeboard fencing, it can be used with either timber or concrete posts and gravel boards Although offering good value, larch-lap panel fencing is not as robust as closeboard fencing, it’s more prone to damage in high winds. Pros • Suitable for most gardens • Cheaper than closeboard fencing • Provides privacy • Deters intruders • Ideal for homes with pets Cons • Not as robust or long-lasting as close board fencing • Maintenance required to prolong the life of the timber • Functional, however it’s less attractive than other styles CLOSEBOARD Closeboard fences, also called featherboard,
are strong and solid, constructed with overlapping vertical feather-edge wooden boards. This type of fencing is commonly used in back gardens – it’s a mid range budget option, neat and attractive, offering good privacy and providing some shelter from wind and frost to delicate shrubs. Closeboard fencing is typically 6ft (1.8m) tall, but it’s available in various heights. Bear in mind, however, that local authorities often have height restrictions on boundary fencing. Pros • Ideal for most gardens • Robust and long-lasting • Its height provides some security • Provides privacy • Deters intruders • Good for pet-owners • Offers shade and shelter for tender plants and shrubs Cons • Can be expensive for a large garden • Its closed-up boards can be buffeted by strong winds, though it’s stronger than a CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
