Among the many good reasons for building a garden fence is to prevent wild animals such as deer and rabbits from getting into your garden. However, garden fencing can also provide an attractive border even if you do not have to worry about animals. In addition, they also make good windbreaks as well. Nevertheless, many folks procrastinate about putting one up in the mistaken belief that is a difficult task although nothing could be further from the truth.
Garden fence kits are one option as they are complete assemblies that include everything you need to put up an attractive and sturdy fence. Several of them are so ingeniously designed that all you need to do is snap together the pieces and you are in business. They come in sections to make a square or rectangle although several include modified braces that allow you to make an octagon or semi-circle.
Some of the kits for building a garden fence can be a little less straightforward although they still only require minimal work. The slats are pre-attached to horizontal supports called cross-members or rails. All that is required is a few minutes to attach them to corner posts. A few screws inserted with a power screwdriver and you are in business.
Sinking garden fence posts does not have to be a major chore, either. In fact, for some small fences, it is not necessary at all. The posts will provide corner support for the slat sections, but the whole thing can simply sit on the ground without digging any postholes.
For additional support, it is possible to get metal post support stakes that take a lot of the effort out of the process. These square metal cups have a twelve to eighteen-inch spike welded onto the bottom, which is pounded into the ground.
The metal cup can sit into a small square hole or above the surface. They are typically painted in attractive colors or you can finish them to match your garden design. All you then need to do is simply slide the post into the cup and secure it by tightening the cup using the integrated nut and bolt.
They can support considerable weight. One fence built this way withstood jumping on the fence and walking down the horizontal supports for the slats without tipping. After several snow-filled winters and springs of high wind and rain, it is still in place.
Latticework or trellis is always popular and it too is available in pre-made sections that are easy to install. They are the perfect option for climbing plants, ivy and others that will wind their way in and around the lattice. They also provide an easy way to support tall plants near the edge. Just use a bit of tie-wrap and tall tulips will stand up well to wind.
To protect against invasion by gophers and other ground dwellers, just extend the fencing below the ground about a foot. That can be as simple as just digging a trench and planning to have your slats a little taller than you originally envisioned. Chicken wire at the base and under the surface is another easy way to achieve the same result.
So there you have it – Building a garden fence not only fences your garden but also offers a finished look that protects your plants.