Vines can make a beautiful addition to any fence. However, these constantly growing structures can be just as destructive as they are appealing. While vines can add an extra layer of aesthetic beauty and privacy to your home, it’s important to understand the types of plants that works best with your specific fence type as well as proper maintenance techniques that can be used to ensure there is no overgrowth.
Damages Caused by Woody & Invasive Species of Vines
Woody vines are beautiful and attract many species of birds and butterflies with their colorful plumes, but these vines can also be very destructive on certain fences. They hold excess amounts of moisture that can potentially cause fungus, rot, bugs, and more. These vines are also known for their strong wooden roots, which can permeate the slats and cracks of your fence, thus causing further breakage.
Many homeowners have fallen prey to the destructive beauty of vines. It’s important to make sure the plants you choose will not overgrow and choke out your individual garden. Invasive species such as Japanese honeysuckle, English ivy, wintercreeper, & chocolate vine are all no-no’s when it comes to decorating your fence or garden. Invasive species of vines have all the negative side effects of woody vines, but at an accelerated rate.
Which Fences Work with Vines
Wood fences are the most susceptible to damages from vines. They have slats and cracks that are easily penetrated by vine overgrowth. There are a few vines, however, that would be acceptable to use if properly guided along your fence. This includes annual vines like moonflower, climbing nasturtium, sweet pea, and morning glory.
Aluminum and vinyl fences are more durable and can withstand environmental factors such as water, wind, and snow, as well as the addition of vines. For this reason, it is acceptable to use woody vines if you need the additional layers of privacy that they can provide. While algae is easily cleaned off of aluminum and vinyl fencing, bugs can still be attracted to certain types of flowers on these plants, and pose a threat to the life of your garden’s other inhabitants. Climbing hydrangea, wisteria, rambling roses, and other woody vines can all work for these materials.
Where to Get Them
Do NOT take clippings of vines from wooded areas or forests. Unless you are a plant expert, it’s difficult to tell if the wild vine you are trying to introduce to your property is destructive and/or invasive. Plant nurseries are an easy way to find vines for your fence that won’t cause extensive amounts of damage or overgrow your garden and/or lawn.
Alternative Structures
It is not difficult to find alternative structures for your vines to cling to without destroying the life of your fence, such as arbors and trellises. Many property owners connect these structures with wires and then allow vines to be interspersed between them.
Take Proper Care of Your Vines
Not every plant has the same needs; research the sunlight, space, water, and soil requirements to help expand the life of your vines. Some vines are low maintenance while others require extensive amounts of care, so it’s important to stay well-informed!
Contact Our Fence Company Today
Do your research! There are many options of tendril, twining, or clinging vines that can work with your fence, depending on the material it is made of. If you want to learn more about the various fencing materials that can be used in your yard, and discuss the weak spots of these, give Globe Fence & Railings Inc. a call today. We have deer fences & privacy fences that come in a variety of materials such as wood, chain link, aluminum, & vinyl.