If you’re looking for a way to introduce some green to your urban space or want to take your backyard up a level in terms of privacy, a living fence is the way to do it. Introducing vertical greenery is an excellent way to make the most of your outdoor living area. However, you should be particular about which plants you plan to use in your living fence – check out this simple guide to vertical landscaping.
What Is a Living Fence?
A living fence is landscaping that’s grown vertically. It creates an extremely aesthetic outdoor living space – you’ll literally be surrounded by green – and offers privacy. Additionally, it improves the air quality in your outdoor area and allows you to have the garden you’ve dreamed of even if you’re short on space. It can even serve as an “edge habitat”, giving insects, toads, frogs, birds, and other animals a place to call home.
Related: How to Tell if Plants, Shrubs, and Trees Are Healthy When Buying Them For Your Yard
Which Plants Are Best for This Type of Vertical Landscaping?
When planning your living fence, you’ll want to make sure that you choose the right plants. You’ll have lots of options when it comes to the greenery that you can use. However, you want to ensure that whatever you choose, it’s low maintenance. Additionally, if you have a small space, you’ll want to opt for shrubs that are between 3 and 6 feet tall. Here are some of our favorite greenery options for a living fence:
- Weeping willow
- Honeysuckle (you’ll thank us for the smell alone)
- Lilac
- Hawthorn
- Bamboo
- Forsythia
- Fruit trees like orange, grape, plum, and pear (with the added benefit of fresh fruit)
And we can’t forget evergreens. Trees like Yew, Juniper, Boxwood, and Holly are excellent ways to add a level of privacy to your outdoor living space.
When choosing your living fence plants, you’ll want to take into consideration what will grow best in the area you’re planning for. Make sure that you think about light requirements, watering needs, and soil requirements. And don’t forget, you can mix species of plants for a unique look.
Related: The Key to Thriving Shrubs and Trees In Winter
Caring for Your Living Fence: What You Should Know
Before you plant your living fence, be sure to prep the soil. You’ll want to remove weeds and other debris, till the dirt to loosen it up, and use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the soil. Here are a few more tips for planting your fence:
- Plant your greenery in the late fall for best results.
- Plant all of the plants close together to encourage their branches to interlock – we recommend planting them in a straight line. For smaller shrubs, put them between 4-8 inches apart. For larger trees, plant them 18-30 inches apart.
- For more privacy, consider planting a double row of shrubs or trees.
- Use mulch to prevent weeds and soil washout.
- Water your new living fence frequently so it can get settled into its new environment and thrive.
- Train the fence the way you want it to grow. You can crisscross branches or weave them together – not only will this encourage a secure barrier, but it can also be aesthetically pleasing if you use patterns.
- Maintain the fence. You’ll want to remove weeds often, make sure you water it, and prune greenery back to encourage new growth and retain the shape of the fence that you want.
Let Us Help You Start Your Living Fence Project Today
Need help choosing the right greenery for your new living fence? Contact Hometown Landscaping today.