Update, Sat. Feb. 10: AND THE WINNER IS…Susie Johnson! I’ve notified her and “The Less is More Garden” will soon be on its way to her from publisher Timber Press.
Many, many thanks to all of you for participating! — Debra

Author/Landscape Designer Susan Morrison

I’ve long admired the wit and wisdom of Bay Area landscape designer Susan Morrison, whom I see at garden events and follow on Facebook. So when I found out she’d authored The Less is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard (Timber Press, 2018), I knew I had to have it.

Enter to win a copy of The Less is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard, simply by leaving a comment below. (To qualify, you must be 18 or older and have a mailing address in the US or Canada.) The winner will be chosen at random and notified via email Sat., Feb. 10. I’ll also put the winner’s name at the top of this post. Best of luck! 

If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, be sure to attend presentations by Susan Morrison and myself during the 2018 Northwest Flower and Garden Show. I’m presenting on Designing with Succulents Wed., Feb. 7 at 11:15 and Thurs., Feb. 8 at 12:30. Morrison is presenting Thurs., Feb. 8. at 2:15; Sat., Feb. 10 at 3:00, and doing “Container Wars” Sat, Feb. 11 at 11:30. 

Here’s Morrison’s “less is more philosophy” of garden design:

— Less space, more enjoyment
— Less effort, more beauty
— Less maintenance, more relaxation
— Less gardening-by-the-numbers, more YOU.

In The Less is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard, Morrison’s practical, readable style expands on key points via case studies and illustrations anyone can relate to. The book is full of light-bulb moments. You find yourself thinking, “Why, yes, of course,” while wondering why such terrific insights on gardens, design, and outdoor enhancements hadn’t dawned on you before.

Susan Morrison owns Creative Exteriors Landscape Design, located in the East Bay near San Francisco.

Some Morrison gems

Every page and caption in the book contains kernels of wisdom that can be put to practical use. For example:

— “Just as the kitchen is the heart of the home, the patio is the center of the backyard.”

— “Avoid hard benches, undersized seating, or essentially anything that makes the backyard less comfortable to be in.”

— “A table for dining on one side and a lounge chair for relaxing on the other establish two garden destinations in a relatively small area.”

— “Create one strong or meandering curve as a counterpoint to the more rigid shapes elsewhere in the yard.”

— “Angular stone [gravel] compacts more efficiently [than rounded gravel] and therefore makes for a more stable walking surface.”

Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment and you’re automatically entered to win a copy of The Less is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard. See you in Seattle? Say yes! 

The post appeared first on Gardening Gone Wild

For properties with unique features or owners who want their backyards to be the talk of the town, DIY building a custom fence is the way to go. Plus, by building your own fence, you will save money on installation, and you’ll take pride in the accomplishment of making something that’s both functional and aesthetically enjoyable for years.

While some might intimidated by customizing a DIY fence, luckily customization is just a small part of the process. Building a fence can be easy, especially if you have a little guidance! By using standard materials and installation techniques, you can successfully build a beautiful fence that is uniquely your own! Here are some considerations to help you plan and build your custom fence.

Building a Fence on an Slope or Uneven Ground

One reason you may need to install a custom fence is because of the topography of your yard. Do you want to fence off a yard on a severe slope or a terraced property? Do you have a jagged border with your neighbor or old growth trees you want to avoid cutting down? Maybe that rock climbing wall you installed is at an awkward angle? Whatever the reason, here are some ideas to help you choose a customized fence solution for your sloped or uneven yard.

• A stepped fence works well for sloped ground. Each panel maintains a 90-degree angle, but the panels are connected in a step fashion: each panel will be slightly taller than the one next to it. While this solution does leave some gaps underneath the fence, those can be filled in with landscaping. A stepped fence is perfect for creating privacy or separation.
• A contoured fence works well with gentle hills or slopes to create a fence that hugs the ground. This option is also ideal if you have pets you want to corral, or if you want to keep small animals like rabbits out of your yard. Rather than being completely level on top, the fence may change in height depending on the ground beneath it.
• Rackable fence panels are a great option for slopes as well. With rackable panels, the pickets can move so that when you line the fence rails up with the ground, the pickets still run vertically. A fence that contours to fit your property gives your yard a more uniform look.

With any of these options, using pre-made fence panels is the easiest way to install your fence. While you will need to connect the panels at different heights for a stepped fence and may need to custom cut a contoured fence, the pre-made panels will save you the work of building and measuring your own panels from individual pickets. Check out How to Build a DIY Fence on a Slope for additional advice on fencing a steep section of your yard.

Making a Statement with Unique Fencing Materials

Building a customized fence in the suburbs is different than building one in town. It’s always a good idea to check what rules may apply to your property before starting your fencing project, including fence height restrictions, accepted types of fencing materials, and how far the fence can be from your property line. Since the Fence Authority installs a lot of fence around Pennsylvania, especially the West Chester, PA area, we have some advice on fencing requirements in PA as well as West Chester that you should check out before you begin installing your fence.

If you have free reign over your fence design, you can go wild! Aluminum fences are a great option since they mimic older wrought iron fences but are much more durable and weather-proof. Aluminum can be formed into contemporary designs for a modern home, or it can complement a Victorian home’s decorative gingerbread-style elements. You can also save quite a bit of money when you decided to install an aluminum fence yourself.

If you are looking for a wood or vinyl privacy fence with no spaces, there is still room for customization. The easiest element to make a unique statement is the post cap. While most people opt for post caps that match the color and style of the fence so they blend into the overall design, you can choose post caps in a different color or material. You can even find post caps with unique and helpful features like solar lighting.

To see what fences materials are available for purchase right now, visit our shop.

Adding Customization to a Fence After Installaion

If you want to add a bit of creativity to a plain fence that has already been installed, painting or staining are great options. Paints and stains can also help freshen up the look of a fence that is slightly worn or that has been around so long that it’s starting to bore you. With a little creativity, there’s a lot of ways you can easily jazz up your fence. Below are a few ideas:

• Add a pop of color by painting your fence! A wood fence can actually benefit from paint since the right kind of paint can help protect the wood. Stain can give your fence a richer look while a bright color can really make your fence stand out. Unlike wood, aluminum and vinyl fences are not great candidates for paint, which takes away one of their biggest benefits—being maintenance-free!
• Consider going with a theme for your backyard! Maybe instead of having a fence that stands out, you want your fence to be backdrop for the design of your backyard.
• Put your green thumb to good use by adding landscaping elements to make your backyard oasis complete. Fences can be a great structure to grow vines on too!

Installing Your Custom Fence Yourself

 No matter which option you choose, installing your custom fence yourself is easier than you think. When you purchase a DIY fence kit like The Fence Authority’s EZ Fence 2 Go products, you’ll get high-quality fence materials and easy DIY assembly instructions. Check out our DIY fence guide and leave us your DIY fence customization questions in the comments section below.

The post How to Easily Build a Custom DIY Fence appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

If you’re looking for a way to make your backyard oasis a little more secluded, a privacy fence is a perfect addition for your home. Privacy fences are great because they add security, block prying eyes, and let your furry friends run around leash-free in your backyard.

Building a privacy fence can give you peace of mind, especially if you have young children or pets, but they do require an investment from the homeowner. Whether you are choosing to install a privacy fence yourself like a DIY pro or go with a professional fence company, there are a few factors you have to take into consideration when estimating privacy fence costs.

Here are some suggestions to consider when estimating the cost of a privacy fence. Use this list to help guide your decision making:

1. Check Your Zoning Laws and HOA

Before purchasing any materials, you should make sure your fence will meet your local county requirements and that you have permission to install it. First, you will need to know where you property lines are. If you have any doubts, have a survey done. You should also check your local zoning laws before seriously investing time and money into fence installation. Depending on where you live, there might be height limitations and boundary requirements for fences.

After verifying your local zoning laws, it’s not a bad idea to check with your local Homeowner’s Association (HOA) too. They might have strict guidelines about the types of fences, including materials and colors, you can build on your property. It’s always better to make sure sooner rather than later that your fence meets requirements and that you have permission to build it.

The Fence Authority has been installing fences around West Chester, PA and Montgomeryville, PA for over two decades, so we know a thing or two about fence laws and requirements in Pennsylvania. If you’re curious to learn more about how to find your property line, ask a professional before you start installing.

2. Mark Off Your Utilities

If you do not have a fence around your property already, you are going to have to mark the utility lines before building a privacy fence. Marking off your utilities sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes this step gets overlooked. Not marking off your utility lines could lead to a nasty surprise like accidentally hitting pipes or wires underground while installing your fence—ouch!

You don’t want your fence directly on top of utility lines either. If the county has to do repair work, your brand new privacy fence might be torn out of the ground, and you’ll have to start all over again. Before digging, call 811 to get in touch with your local utility companies.

3. Determine Land Area and Grading

Alright, so now that you know where your property line is located, you’ve marked off your utilities, and you have the go-ahead to install a privacy fence, it’s time to figure out where exactly it’s going to be on your property. If you live in a townhome community or subdivision, you probably already have a plat that shows the divisions of your land drawn to scale. If you do not have a plat, you can purchase a measuring wheel to determine the amount of fencing materials needed.

While measuring, remember that you are going to be installing a fence post about every six to eight feet depending on the style of fence and panel size selected. Many DIY fence builders forget to account for posts, which are often the most expensive part of the installation. Fence posts must be buried at least three feet into the ground and set with concrete, adding to the cost. If you’re a determined DIYer, we have all the info you need on how to install fences posts that stay put.

If you are building a privacy fence on a slope, you are also going have to consider how to install the fence on an angle. A sloped landscape means more work, as you have to dig, plant posts, pour concrete, and balance the fence. For DIYers, building on a slope can be a time-consuming challenge to tackle. If you hire a professional company, this additional work could lead to higher costs due to longer installation time.

4. Choose Your Privacy Fence Materials

Now that you have the area measured, you’re ready to select your materials! Typically, privacy fences are about six feet in height and come in pre-built panels. Wooden and vinyl privacy fences are both popular choices for homeowners.

Wooden privacy fences come in several different styles depending on your preference. For those who enjoy home decor, wooden fences are easy to customize with stain or paint to make them all your own, but you will need to reapply stain and paint annually.

If you want a privacy fence that needs little to no maintenance, a vinyl privacy fence or semi-private fence might be a good choice. Vinyl privacy fences are one of the more expensive fencing materials, but have a longer life than wood and require little maintenance. Vinyl comes in similar styles to wood privacy fences, including solid boards and panels with a lattice top.

Choose the material that suits your needs, but remember that going with the cheapest option might not be the best idea long term. A less expensive wood often means it’s of a lower quality and will have to be replaced sooner. A cheaper vinyl fence can mean that the vinyl is thinner and requires more support. Building a privacy fence is an investment, and it’s wise to consider possible upkeep in the future as well as the initial price of installation. Check out the top 7 privacy fence styles you can purchase online today.

5. Weight the Costs: Labor vs DIY

Installing your own fence is where DIYers can save the most money. Just remember Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your fence won’t be either. If want to get the most out of building your own fence, research how to install a fence, grab a buddy, and take your time. We also have EZ Fence 2 Go systems that make putting up your own fence a breeze.

To eliminate mistakes, DIYers should seriously consider getting a friend to help with installation. For example, it’s hard for a person to attach panels evenly alone. Taking your time during construction is important too, as attaching panels before the cement around your posts is completely dry will make your fence crooked.

If you want to install a privacy fence right away with no hassle, consider contacting a professional fencing company. While the cost of labor will be higher than doing it on your own, the fence will be installed faster, and you’ll avoid getting frustrated over a DIY job gone wrong.

Want to install a privacy fence?

If you’re ready to install a privacy fence around your property, let us know! Check out the privacy fences we have in stock to get started. If you don’t feel 100% confident in your ability to install a privacy fence and want to sit back and relax, we can help with our professional fence installation service. If you live in West Chester, PA or Montgomeryville, PA, just let us know how we can help you make your backyard the private oasis you’ve always wanted and contact us today.

The post How to Estimate the Cost of a New Privacy Fence appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

When you take on a DIY fence installation project, a lot of decisions are left entirely up to you. This is great if you already know what to do, but not if you’re stuck wondering which installation method to choose. One of the most important installation decisions to make is how to set your fence posts in the ground. Without secure posts, your fence won’t stand much of a chance against the elements! Let’s explore how to ensure your fence posts stay put.

Choosing the Strongest Posts for Your DIY Fence

No matter what type of DIY fence you install, you don’t want weak posts. Wind and gravity will take hold of them, and they’ll start tipping over.

Some types of fences have a greater risk of tipping and therefore require extra care in post installation. Full privacy fences are the most likely to incur damage from wind because they are solid. With no way for wind to pass through, your panels essentially act as wind sails–and they’re held down by only two posts every eight feet or so! Basically, the more surface area your fence has, the harder it will be for your posts to hold it up. Split rail fences have an easier time in the wind because of their sparse rails.

Fence posts should be buried sufficiently deep in the ground. Between a half and third of the post is a good standard. If you’re installing a panel fence, you may want to consider supporting your fence with thicker posts. When it comes to panels, more surface area is bad, but with your posts, you want more surface area! A skinny fence post–especially one supporting a solid panel privacy fence–cannot easily withstand the raging winds. When you dig your post holes, make sure they are three times the width of your fence post.

Proper Fence Post Installation: Should You Use Gravel or Concrete?

Once you’ve chosen the fence posts you want, how exactly do you install them so they stay put? Methods vary, and opinions differ. Some fence posts are set in concrete while others are set in gravel, and you need to decide which method you’ll use for your own fence. Concrete is a stronger material than gravel, yet there are pros and cons of both.

Installing Fence Posts in Crushed Gravel

Even when they’re installed as securely as possible, fence posts mounted in the ground are at risk of moisture damage as rainfall wets the ground and seeps below. The main advantage of crushed gravel is that it drains moisture away from the post. The bits of gravel interlock to mimic the strength of concrete, and many DIYers also choose gravel because it is much easier to remove if you decide to take down your fence. However, gravel cannot always take the place of concrete–and the more secure your fence is, the less likely you are to end up wanting to remove it! If you’re already thinking about taking your fence down, you may want to pick a project that makes you a little more excited for the future of your fence.

Setting Fence Posts in Concrete

Concrete is the most secure material for setting fence posts, especially if you have sandy soil. Gravel may be okay with dense, clay-heavy soil, but in looser soil, concrete is the only thing that will truly keep your fence posts stuck in place. Using premixed concrete rather than dry concrete will ensure ultimate security.

While concrete is sturdy, it lacks the drainage of gravel and can trap moisture, ultimately leading to rot. To combat this problem, when you pour your concrete, fill the hole so that the top of the concrete forms a slight dome. This will enable water to run off the post hold and away from the wooden post. It is also important that your concrete is buried beneath the dirt rather than sticking out of the ground.

Don’t Settle for Fence Posts You Can’t Trust

Try not to skimp on any aspect of installation–even if seems easier in the short term. Proper fence post installation is absolutely crucial for a successful DIY project! If you don’t feel confident in your ability to install sturdy posts, professional fence installation may be your best bet.

Take these considerations into account and install your fence posts properly, and your fence will be guaranteed to last. 

Need step-by step instructions for installing your fence? Just download the handy DIY Fencing Guide!

The post How to DIY Fence Posts that Stay Put appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

While few yards come close to being perfectly flat, significantly sloped yards present specific challenges for homeowners who want to build their own DIY fences. Don’t let that discourage you—a challenge doesn’t make the project impossible by any means. Many a homeowner with an uneven yard has prevailed and built their dream fence anyway. Besides, the contours of your yard create interest and add to its beauty, especially with a new fence. Let’s look at some of the techniques you can use when installing a fence on a slope or a hill.

Contoured Fences: Smooth Lines for Gentle Curves

When building a fence on uneven terrain, one option is to follow the contours of your yard. This means that the horizontal rails of your fence will follow your yard in a smooth line that is parallel to the ground rather than level. The contoured method works best when the slope is slight rather than dramatic.

However, in order to avoid gaps underneath the panels, your fence may need to be custom-cut. Pre-cut panels such as those available in DIY fence kits may not properly hug the ground of your yard.

Wondering what style of will look best with this method? Scalloped fences are a great idea because the rounded arches of the panels complement the smooth contours of your sloped yard.

Stepped Fences for More Dramatic Slopes

For a steeper slope or hill, following the contours of your land is more difficult. In this case, you probably want to opt for a stepped fence. This installation style is referred to as such because each panel is a bit higher (or lower) than the next, creating the appearance of stair steps. Stepped fences can be easily created with preassembled panels. However, your posts will need to be individually cut to fit the height of each panel.

Filling Gaps in a Stepped Fence

You’ll want each panel to be even and level, so there will be gaps underneath the panels, and these gaps may not be consistent throughout your yard. Gaps can be a problem if you need to prevent a pet from escaping, in which case you will need to find a way to fill them. You may also want to fill your gaps for aesthetic purposes.

One way to do this is by adding planters along the fence, which not only covers the unsightly gaps but allows you to add some living color to your yard. You might also consider growing some delicious fresh veggies in those planters to make them even more functional!

Don’t look at the unique features of your yard as limitations—consider them opportunities to get creative in your design. However, if you do not feel comfortable building a DIY fence in your sloped yard, having a custom fence installed by a fence contractor is also a solid option. Whatever you choose, adding a fence to any yard is an excellent way to give you privacy while increasing the value of your home and making your yard look lovely.

Have you installed a fence in your sloped yard? What challenges were you presented with, and how did you overcome them? Share your experiences in the comments section. 

Have a uniquely curved yard and still struggling with the solution? You can also use the comments section to ask questions and see if other readers have answers, or contact one of the Fence Authority’s Outdoor Living Experts. The terrain in West Chester, PA and the surrounding area isn’t always flat, so we’re used to installing fences on slopes.

Need instructions for building your DIY fence? Check out the handy DIY Fencing Guide!

The post How to Build a DIY Fence on a Slope appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

Everyone who has a big dog with tons of energy knows how hard it can be to contain your best friend. After all, many breeds of large dogs want to get in touch with their wild side and chase the neighborhood squirrels or bark at cars. If you have a big, strong, energetic dog, you should think carefully about the type of fence you need before adding it to your yard. The trick is to find a fence that satisfies your budget and aesthetic desires while stopping your furry pal from going on the adventure of his doggy dreams. Here are five factors to keep in mind when choosing the perfect big dog fence!

(Have a small dog? We have a post about fences for small dogs too.)

1. Big dogs need big fences…because they can jump!

A four-foot high fence is unlikely to deter a Husky, Golden Retriever, or Labrador, so you should look for a fence with a height of five or even six feet. For most breeds, six feet should be sufficient. Some owners start adding extensions to make their fences higher and higher. However, if you do this, your dog will learn how to jump a little higher each time! Your best bet, in this case, is to tear down your old fence and install a new six-foot fence rather than making additions. Height isn’t the only factor at play—a big dog is also a strong dog. High-quality wood and vinyl or composite materials can resist charging and chewing better than cheaper, lower end materials.

2. Make that fence impossible to climb

No matter how high your fence is, a clever dog will still try to get over it somehow. Even if he can’t actually jump it, he may be able to climb. When choosing a fence, it’s crucial to make sure the design of the fence itself is totally climb-proof. Chain link fences are a bad idea for climbers—they provide your dog with easy footholds! A solid panel fence, on the other hand, has a flat surface without anywhere for your dog to stick his paws.

Once you have your climb-proof fence, make sure there’s nothing your dog can use to give himself a boost. Don’t place a planter or a birdbath or anything else your dog can climb onto alongside the fence.

Our recommendations for big dog-friendly fences:

• ActiveYards Arrowwood Vinyl Fence
• ActiveYards Dogwood Vinyl Fence
• Tongue & Groove Wood Fence

Learn More: Protection Fencing for Children, Dogs, and Other Pets

3. Give your dog a little privacy (or, rather, give the squirrels on the other side privacy)

Okay, your dog may not care about privacy at all, but a wooden or vinyl privacy fence is a great option for his (and your) peace of mind. Aside from their climb-proof nature, solid panel privacy fences are great because your dog can’t see what’s on the other side. If he can’t actually see squirrels and other dogs and people and everything else he loves to bark at, he’ll be a lot calmer. He won’t be visible to other dogs on their walks either, who may get distracted and start barking.

Chain link fences drive dogs wild because they can look right through and see exactly what they’re missing! Privacy fences are also much more aesthetically appealing than chain link. Ultimately, choosing the best fence for your large dog depends on how your dog behaves and reacts to the outside world. So take some time to consider what will best suit your four-legged companion before making a decision.

Check out the 10 Reasons Your Dog Needs a Privacy Fence (It’s a list of silly dog gifs!)

The post 5 Things to Consider When Getting a Fence for Your Big Dog appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

A structure covered in vines is one of the most classic and beautiful features you can add to your backyard. Vines climbing a fence not only enhance aesthetic value but make your yard more private. Unfortunately, vines can be as destructive as they are beautiful. They’re resourceful plants that crawl up structures in order to soak up as much sun as they can, and sometimes they hold on tight and bring the structure down. You need to make sure your fence is suitable for vines and also that you’ve chosen a vine that won’t cause damage. So, if your dreams have been full of sprawling ivy, not so fast! Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider before growing vines on your backyard fence.

Vines that Aren’t Fence-Friendly

The types of vines that are most likely to be unfriendly to your fence and your outdoor living space are fast-growing, woody vines and invasive species of vines. Though many of these are beautiful, such as hydrangea or English ivy, they can destroy your fence and shouldn’t even come near it.

Woody Vines

Some woody vines are favorites of gardeners for good reason. Many of them, like wisteria or trumpet vine, bloom with bright, fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds or butterflies. However, when these vines begin to spread over your wooden fence’s surface, they hold excess moisture against the wood. This opens the door for rot as well as fungus, bugs, and other hazards that can wreak havoc on your fence. The “wood” part of the woody vine’s anatomy can also cause a problem: the vine’s strong wooden roots can get between the slats of a wooden fence or into existing cracks and cause breakage, especially on moisture-softened wood. Rapid-growing woody vines in particular can therefore spell disaster for your fence.

Invasive Species

Many a hapless homeowner has introduced a beautiful vine to their fence, and a short time later, they ended up fighting an ongoing war with a vine that turned out to be a member of an invasive species. Invasive species of vines are often related to native species, like American bittersweet’s relative oriental bittersweet. These unwelcome cousins of naturally-occurring vines have been known to overtake entire geographic regions, choking out ecosystems and individual gardens alike. Invasive species like chocolate vine, English ivy, wintercreeper, and Japanese honeysuckle pose a hazard not only to the environment but to the appearance of your outdoor space.

All of the problems that come with growing woody vines on your fence (the moisture and accompanying structural damage) are compounded by invasive species’ tendencies to grow rapidly on every inch of available space. This includes your fence, lawn, other plants and trees, and even your house if left completely unchecked. Once they take hold of your yard, it’s likely that the only way to get rid of an invasive species is with a series of controlled burns and applications of vine-killing chemicals, both of which are likely to damage to the beloved plants and trees you actually want to keep around.

Fence-Friendly Vines

The type of fence you own determines the type of vine you can safely grow on it. Even the gentlest vines hold moisture against the parts of your wooden fence they touch. However, aluminum and vinyl fences respond well to most types of vines since they are more durable and less vulnerable to environmental damage than wooden fences.

For Wooden Fences

If you have a wooden fence, most species of vines are likely to be treacherous to your fence’s longevity. The rotting, cracking, twisting, and other structural damage that vines can cause to your wooden fence mean that most species should be kept away.

The safest vines for wooden fences are annual, herbaceous (non-woody) vines. These vines’ stems can wrap around your wooden fence but won’t cause the types of structural damage that woody vines will. You can guide these vines to grow around fence posts or along your fence’s upper support beams, which will provide them with plenty of light while keeping them away from your fence’s more vulnerable slats.

Though they should be removed at the end of the growing season, annual vines like morning glory, moonflower, sweet pea, and climbing nasturtium all work well with wooden fences. These plants are airier than most woody vines, which minimizes any moisture trapped between the plant and the fence. These vines grow readily from seed and can reach lengths of 10 to 15 feet at the peak of the season. They do not provide much privacy, but they do produce flowers that are vibrant in color and sweet in fragrance, brightening up your summer garden and attracting butterflies and birds. Gardeners who like to vary their planting from year to year will enjoy the opportunity to plant new herbaceous vines each growing season.

For Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences, which are made of hardy, weather-resistant material, can withstand almost anything, so the structural concerns that wooden fence owners have about growing vines on their fences mostly do not apply to vinyl fences.

Because of their durability, vinyl fences are ideal for homeowners who want their climbing vines to enhance the privacy of their spaces. Coral honeysuckle or clematis are perennial vines that climb vinyl fences readily. These plants provide a lot of coverage in a short period of time, and they can usually span the height of your fence within a single growing season.

Though even the strongman-type woody vines will have little structural effect on your vinyl fence, the plant can still trap moisture against your fence, and with moisture comes a whole host of organisms from algae to bugs. Thankfully, algae growth on your vinyl fence is no big deal. Vinyl is a non-porous surface that does not permit staining, making it easy to clean your vinyl fence.

Bugs, on the other hand, could pose a problem. The moisture, delicious plant matter, and tough structure of a bushy vine may seem like a courteous invitation for bugs looking to homestead, placing the other members of your garden in danger. Make sure to check on what bugs, if any, are fans of your chosen vine and take the proper steps against bug infestation to keep the rest of your outdoor space safe.

For Aluminum Fences

Aluminum fences are perhaps the most readily-beautified of all fences. Their durability and open-lattice framework provide an excellent foundation for a “living fence.” Wisteria, climbing hydrangea, rambling roses, and other heavy, strong woody vines that might overwhelm other fences are no match for aluminum, which withstands moisture and resists rust. Even grapevines grow enthusiastically on aluminum fences. These plants can provide full coverage within a few growing seasons, adding intense color and aroma to your space. The thorny stalks of some vines like bougainvillea might even further discourage intruders!

Quick Tips for Growing Vines

• Visit a plant nursery. Taking cuttings of random, pretty vines from wooded areas may leave you quickly rueing your decision and even your very existence if the vines turn out to be invasive. Plant nurseries do not frequently cultivate invasive species since they’re often banned from sale by state governments. However, even vines not considered invasive can overwhelm you and your garden. Nursery staff can provide you with a wealth of information about how you can ensure your chosen vine stays under control.
• Your vines have needs, too! Carefully research your vine’s sunlight, space, and soil requirements. While some vines are relatively low-maintenance, it’s often said that some vines sleep, then creep, then leap – an apt descriptor of how it may take several growing seasons of work to help your vine reach its fullest potential.
• Consider your alternatives. If you have a wooden fence but are dead-set on filling your garden with climbing hydrangea or wisteria, look into other methods of introducing these plants into your space without destroying your fence. Arbors and trellises often provide a good structure for flowering vines to cling to and allow you to keep your vine’s growth in check. Strategically placing these structures can also help you enhance privacy. Many people place a series of posts a few feet inside their fence line and a string wire or other supports between each post, then guide their vines along these wires. Doing so can give you the full, rich look of creeping, climbing vines without putting your fence in danger.

The post Growing Fence-Friendly Vines: Do’s and Don’ts appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

4′ High Spaced White Cedar Picket Fence

Fences come in many different heights, and for good reason: different sized fences serve different purposes. Depending on your needs, wants, and can-dos, you may choose a short 3 foot picket fence or an 8 foot fortress of privacy. The placement of your fence, such as your front yard or backyard, can affect the height of your ideal fence. Unfortunately, local regulations may dictate height for you and limit your options. That’s often the first concern for homeowners, but it’s not the only reason to think about height. Here are some considerations when deciding on the perfect fence height for your yard.

Local Regulations Regarding Fence Height

Fence regulations are typically governed by local law or a homeowners’ association. In many municipalities, six feet is the maximum height for a backyard fence, while a four foot fence may be used in front of your home. One reason front yard fences are smaller is because taller fences can block the sightlines of cars, creating blind corners at intersections and putting children and pets in danger. Depending on your location, you may be able to build an open fence (such as an aluminum fence) higher because it allows for visibility.

Check out these 6 foot fence panels you can buy online:

• ActiveYards Dogwood Haven Series Vinyl Fence in Sand
• White Cedar Privacy Panel Fence – 1″ x 5″ Tongue & Groove Boards
• White Cedar Lattice Top Privacy Panel Fence

Here are some 4 foot fences you can order:

• ActiveYards Harbor Series Bedrock Aluminum Fence
• Contemporary 2″ Spaced White Cedar Picket Fence

Here are some 4 and a half foot fences:

• ActiveYards Home Series Amethyst Aluminum Fence
• ActiveYards Home Series Granite Aluminum Fence

Applying for a Variance for a Higher Fence

If you have specific reasons for wanting a higher fence, you will need to apply for a variance when you submit your fence permit application to the local building and code department. A reason for building an 8 foot fence, for example, might include owning property that’s next to a commercial building or backing up to a wooded area that deer frequent. A variance will make it harder to get your permit approved—but how hard depends on your local code enforcement rules and officers, as well as whether or not your neighbors support your fence plan.

6′ White Cedar Privacy Panel Fence

HOA-Imposed Fence Restrictions

Your homeowner’s association (HOA) may have even stricter regulations than your municipality when it comes to things like fence height, color, and material. Check the bylaws of your association prior to starting your project to avoid being fined or asked to remove your fence!

Choosing Your Fence’s Height Based on Functionality

The reason you want a fence likely has a lot to do with how high you want your fence to be.

Privacy Fences

If you are searching for privacy and don’t want your neighbors to be able to see into your yard, you’ll probably want a fence as high as possible. A six foot fence made out of solid wood or vinyl panels, rather than widely spaced pickets, will give you the most privacy in your backyard.

Fences to Protect Your Garden

If you are walling off your garden you are probably looking for a fence that will help keep animals – and trampling feet – away from your plants, while still accentuating the look of flowers, vegetables and herbs. If deer and large mammals are not a concern for you, a shorter fence can help delineate your garden space. An open fence may allow animals like moles, groundhogs or rabbits to get at your plants, though. A taller, deer fence may be as high as 8 feet, but would need a variance and likely block the view of the plants you are trying to protect.

Pet Fences

If you are a pet owner, one main reason to get a fence is to allow your dog access to the yard. Some small dogs or dogs that cannot jump will do fine with shorter fences, but in general, a 6 foot fence is appropriate for containing your dog – and making sure other animals don’t get into your yard to terrorize your pets.

Pool Fences

For those lucky enough to have a pool, a pool fence is required by law to help restrict access, as an accidental fall into a body of water can be dangerous. These fences do not need to be solid privacy fences, and many people choose to make them open aluminum or vinyl fences, both of which resist moisture damage much better than wood. Most pool fences are about 4 feet in height, but you will have to check local ordinances for legal requirements.

Fences for Defining Your Property

Finally, some people simply want a nice looking fence to delineate property, separating it from the neighbors or the street, and enhancing the curb appeal of their home. In this case, your fence can obviously be any height. Most people choose shorter, 3 foot picket fences for the front yard. You can do the same for the backyard, but keep in mind how a shorter fence may look in your backyard, as well as the resale value of your home – the next property owner may be looking for privacy, gardening space, or a dog fence!

Do I Need to Replace My Fence If It’s Too Short?

If the previous owner of your property, or even you (before your needs changed) installed a fence that is now too short, there may be a solution. Adding a fence extension can create up to 8 feet of height for your fence. This added portion may also be angled to help contain dogs who like to jump or to keep deer out of your yard. While a solid privacy fence might be 6 feet height, adding an additional two foot extension will give you an added visual component, since those last two feet will be made of lattice or open work to reduce wind resistance.

Additionally, if you have a fence in good condition that is too tall for your needs, it may be possible to have it cut down to a smaller size, depending on the materials and installation. This is a project best suited to a fence professional, so contact us today to discuss your fence – and the perfect height for your yard.

The post Why Can’t You Have Fences Over A Certain Height? appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

I learned to garden as an adult by poring over gardening magazines and watching shows on HGTV, like “Gardening by the Yard.” Remember that one? Sadly, none of the instructional and inspirational shows that taught me to garden are still on the air, since HGTV replaced them with shows about outdoor decorating. Furniture, fabric and fireplaces galore, but not much that grows.

A few regional gardening shows are still aired on public television, but for most of the U.S., there’s nothing for people who learn best by watching, like I do. And what’s more visual than gardening, anyway? It’s even more visual than cooking, which is all over television.

Lucky for people wanting to learn to garden, now there’s Youtube, the number two search engine (after Google) and number one source of how-to instruction, whether it’s cooking, setting up your new Fitbit, or gardening.

Which is great, but have you ever looked for gardening help on Youtube only to find conflicting information or really bad advice? I sure have. Or I’ve found how-to advice from someone somewhere in England, where I’m unfamiliar with the climate and don’t know how to adjust the advice for where I garden. (Videos of Alan Titschmash pop up often in search results but what are his growing conditions? I haven’t a clue.)

So I started a project called Good Gardening Videos to find and promote good videos, the ones that can be trusted to teach viewers to succeed at gardening (by providing information that’s accurate) and are watchable (no shaky cameras or traffic noise, please).

To help with this nonprofit project I asked a bunch of smart garden communicators and scientists for their advice and am proud that they include GGW’s own Fran Sorin, along with two members of the famous Garden Professors bloggers and a few more actual experts. We are all unpaid except for horticulturist Charlie Nardozzi, whom we’ve recently hired to curate videos about growing edibles, a subject about which I know literally nothing.

The almost 600 good videos selected so far were made by 18 state Extension universities and a variety of garden communicators, like GGW’s very own Debra Lee Baldwin. (We’ve chosen six of her videos to feature so far.) Some of the plant world’s most reputable companies are also making instructional videos, and we’re happy to promote the best of them, as long as they’re truly instructional, not infomercials.

So how do we provide useful information for gardeners across the drastically different growing regions in the U.S. and Canada, our target audience? By prominently revealing each expert’s location, no matter how difficult it was to find that bit of vital information, and letting viewers make any necessary adjustments for where they garden.

You can find our curated videos on the website or the Youtube channel by searching or browsing the topics. And to help people find the videos they need when they need them, we’re creating Seasonal Guides, collections of the best videos on such timely topics as lawn care, seed-starting and bulb-planting.

Admittedly, you can’t learn everything from videos, so we’ve compiled a list of websites and books we find ourselves recommending over and over – in “How to Find More Accurate Gardening Information.” That includes how to find research-based information using good old Google.

GGVideos is pro-science, pro-environment, ad-free and nonprofit.

How to Video Your Own Garden

It didn’t take long to discover that more good gardening videos are needed! To help gardeners share their gardens, their plant collections or their make-over projects, our website includes tips on “How to Make Videos Yourself.” One take-away is that making a good-enough video is easier than you think – especially if you compile still photos into a slide show with captions or your own narration. No budget for videos? There are free editing programs, and good-enough videos can be made with point-and-shoot cameras or even smart phones. You can click on this guide to video marketing to help you get started on promoting as well if you’re a business owner.

We’re also nudging gardening companies, public gardens and anyone who’ll listen to make more good gardening videos. In the 21^st Century, video marketing is widely recommended because it’s very effective.

_______________________________________________

Guest Post Author Bio:

Susan Harris pursued her passion for helping people succeed as gardeners through writing and garden-coaching before her recent retirement. Online, she co-founded and contributes to the team blog GardenRant and promotes public gardens and gardening in the Washington, D.C. area at DC Gardens.

 

The post appeared first on Gardening Gone Wild

If you’re considering building your own fence, you’ve probably done research to determine what type of fence you want, how to prepare your yard, and what tools you will need. There is one seemingly minor, yet important question that you may still need to research, though – whether to use individual fence pickets or purchase pre-made fence panels.

Already know you want to buy pre-made fence panels? Check out these wood, vinyl, and aluminum fence options.

Using individual fence pickets

Many people picture building a fence piece-by-piece when visualizing fence construction. Someone with expert-level carpentry skills (and perhaps a heavily-wooded lot with access to high-quality trees) may even be able to saw, cut, plane, and sand their own fence pickets. More commonly, you can purchase individual wooden fence pickets wholesale or from a fence manufacturer to build your own fence.

While buying individual fence pickets may seem like a great idea when it comes to saving money and better customizing your fence, building your own fence panels out of pickets takes a lot of time and effort. You will need to build the fence rails, fit them to your fence posts, and nail each individual board to the rails, while ensuring they are straight and consistent in color, shape and character. Fence panels come pre-assembled, but you will need to make sure they are installed level, and possibly cut some panels for length.

Wood fence pickets are the most common type of fence product that is sold individually, although some vinyl fence pickets may be found. Vinyl pickets can be trickier for the home DIYer to install, though, and are usually much easier to install when sold and shipped in panels..

You can work with a reputable fence company to custom-design a fence if you are looking for a very unique design. If you choose this option, your fence will typically come in panel-form, not as individual pickets.  (Shop Picket Fences)

Using pre-made fence panels

Pre-manufactured fence panels come in multiple widths, heights, and styles. The most common width is eight feet, and common heights for security and privacy fences include six feet and eight feet, although smaller, decorative fences and more open, semi-private fences exist in three or four foot heights.

One major advantage of using pre-made fence panels is time. Rather than laboriously constructing each fence panel yourself, you have the benefit of skipping that time-consuming step and moving right on to setting and installing the panels themselves. This means your DIY fence installation can take only one weekend to complete, including fence preparation, rather than multiple weeks. Have your yard ready for spring and summer more quickly!

A second advantage of using pre-manufactured panels is quality. While you can choose a fence manufacturer that finishes and inspects each fence panel by hand, an industrial sawmill and wood shop will be able to more quickly manufacture pickets and form them into panels with no question of quality or conformity. The quality control process in fence manufacturing, even local, hand-finished manufacturing, will ensure a uniform product throughout not just each panel, but the entire fence.

Here are some pre-made fence panels you can buy online:

• 4′ High Contemporary 2″ Spaced Picket Panel  – White Cedar Wood
• 6′ High Privacy Panel – 1×4 Boards – Dog Eared Picket Tops – White Cedar
• ActiveYards 6′ Arrowwood Haven Series Section Kit – White Vinyl
• ActiveYards 6′ Dogwood Haven Series Section Kit – Vinyl – Sand

Preparation for picket or panels

When preparing to install a fence, many steps remain the same, whether you are choosing to use individual pickets or pre-made panels.

• First, you need to measure for your fence. Be sure to check your survey for property line information when placing your fence. Mark where you will be placing fence posts. Using a string, run a plumb line around the perimeter
• Next, you need to dig holes for your fence posts. These will be filled with concrete to level and support your posts, and therefore your fence. They should be larger than the posts that will be inserted for that reason. Make sure they are between 24 and 36 inches deep.
• Third, level and fill your posts and post holes. Using your plumb line, make sure each fence post is the same height and that they all line up appropriately. Then, fill your post holes with concrete to hold them.

Now you’re ready to install your fence panels! If you are installing individual pickets, you will first have to attach fence rails to your posts. Wood panel fences can be nailed directly to your fence posts. Wood, vinyl, or aluminum rail fences have special notches in the posts to attach rails, and are then screwed in for security and longevity. Vinyl panel fences come with special locking tabs that will securely click to the post.

The Fence Authority’s Fence Panel Manufacturing Process

The Fence Authority sources all wood from Canadian white or red cedar. We make our own fence pickets and panels at our three wood fabrication shops in West Chester, PA, Montgomeryville, PA, and Smyrna, DE. We finish each piece by hand, ensuring quality of materials. We also have a state-of-the-art vinyl fabrication shop in West Chester and are the exclusive dealer of ActiveYards quality vinyl and aluminum fences in southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.

We can work with you directly to determine the perfect fence for you. Just contact our Outdoor Living Experts! We offer a five year workmanship warranty on all of our fence installations. If you prefer to install your own fence, that’s great! We can provide you with the fence materials you need in wood, vinyl, or aluminum to create your perfect fence DIY project.

Our online fence shop features our 20 most popular styles of fences. You can pick up your fence parts at one of our locations or have it delivered to your door.

The post Should I buy individual fence pickets or pre-made fence panels? appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.