Fences

The two most important reasons for building a fence are:
1. To define a boundary line.
2. For security.

Other reasons for building a fence:

• Fences can be used as climate modifiers for plants.
• They can be used to control wind and sun problems.
• Fences can be used to define outdoor areas for work, play and storage
• Planting on both sides can help transform an ugly wall into an attractive addition to the landscape.

Wind
Before you build a fence to protect you from the wind, you should first understand the wind's behaviour in that area. Attach small flags to strategic points around the yard and the wind's behaviour.

Wind-break
A wind-break fence made of closely woven slats, or one with a slanting baffle on top, will break up the wind most effectively.

Noise barrier
For a fence to be an effective noise breaker, it should be solid and heavy. It should be more an a metre higher than the source of the sound that you are trying to eradicate. If you n to create an outdoor room, you should use materials that harmonise with the total garn and house. Movable louvres offer many possibilities. They can be moved up and down let the sun in, to catch the breeze and to protect the area from wind.

Repairing and replacing fences
When you are repairing or replacing a fence you must reach an agreement with your neighbour with whom you share the fence.

How steep is that fence line?
It is helpful to find out exactly how steep the block is before you start fencing. To do this:

1. Run a string from a stake at the high point of your fence line.
2. Tie the string to the stake at ground level.
3. Stretch it to a tall stake at the lowest point. - Draw the string taut.
5. Hang a line level on the centre of the string.
6. Move the string up or down until the bubble is centred.
7. To calculate the drop, divide the height of the string above the ground on the tall stake into the length of line between stakes.

Spacing posts
When spacing your posts, it is a good idea to make the most economical use of standard lengths of rails (the classic 4by2s). Try to purchase rails at least twice the length of fence spacings so that you can nail the rails so that the end falls on alternate posts, thus making a stronger fence.

Digging post-holes
When digging post-holes it is a good idea to hire a post hole digger as this will save you time and your back won't suffer. The bottom of the post-hole should be wider than the top in order to provide a solid base in which to set the posts. Make the hole twenty cm deeper than the post needs to be set, in order to allow for rubble to be placed there for drainage.
Aligning the posts

The corner post method:

1. Begin with two corner posts.
2. Set one firmly in place.
3. Secure the other firmly but so that it can be adjusted.
4. Align and stretch string between them, both top and bottom.
5. Mark where the centres of the intermediate posts will be.
6. Use the plumb bob to transfer the marks to the lower line.
7. Set each intermediate post in gravel with its face brushing the aligning string.
8. Check to see that each post remains vertical as you work.

Preserve the wood
Before you begin to attach rails to posts, apply paint or preservative to all surfaces when the rails and posts touch.

Pickets
Pickets should not be allowed to touch the soil or they will rot. Before you attach picket you should paint them to protect them against decay. Attach the pickets while the paint' - still wet to create a weather seal. Use a picket, laid on its side, to regulate the space between each picket.

To age a redwood fence
Mix half a cup baking soda with two litres water. Stir. Brush or spray onto the wood. As it dries the acids in the wood combine with the soda to produce a dark weathered tone.

Fence maintenance
Repair or replace rotted posts early. You can buy post savers at the hardware store. They are iron posts which are inserted into the ground alongside the rotted post. The post is then securely attached.

Apron fence
An apron fence can be installed to keep dogs from burrowing under. Simply fold the bottom of a wire sleeve outward to form an apron. Stake it down onto the ground. In a few weeks the plants will conceal it and anchor it in place.

Plants for fence lines
For lightly constructed fences use vines that are light and airy. If they are too heavy they will pull your fence over.
- A solid panel fence is an effective backdrop for a plant that you wish to highlight.
- Keep fence plantings well trimmed to keep them from running wild.

Espalier
In narrow planting places along the fence, try espaliered fruit trees. Espalier is the technique of spreading the tree out against a fence, wall or trellis, so it is trained to grow flat. Leave space between the fence and the plants so that the plants do not burn in reflected heat.