Climbing plants on a fence? Choose the right wooden fence
A wooden fence looks good on its own, but with climbing plants it looks even better: more green, more privacy and a natural feel. Not every fence is equally suited to plants, though. The type you choose decides whether the plants thrive and whether the fence stays good looking for years.
Choosing the right fence for climbers
Plants add moisture and weight. A climber growing against your wooden fence keeps the wood damp for longer after rain. Some woods cope with that better than others, and a heavy climber also needs a sturdy structure.
Airflow matters too. Wood that stays damp and cannot dry out ages faster. That is why it pays to choose the fence type carefully if plants are going to grow on it.
Closed or slatted?
Closed garden screening lets little air through, so it is less suited to climbers growing straight onto the wood. Planters or hanging baskets fixed to the fence work well, though.
A slatted fence made from fence slats is ideal. There is a 5 mm gap between the horizontal slats, so air moves freely and the wood dries quickly after rain. You get healthy plants and a fence that lasts.
Ipe copes with moisture
For a fence with plants we recommend Ipe. The wood is naturally well protected against moisture, rot and fungi, durability class 1. Even when climbers keep it damp more often, Ipe lasts 25+ years.
Practical tips
Keep some distance: plant the stem of the climber at least 20 cm away from the wood. The plant grows towards the fence, but its base stays clear and air can circulate.
Check now and then that moisture is not building up behind dense foliage, and prune once or twice a year. For heavy climbers such as wisteria we recommend extra fixing points.
The right structure
Our fences stand on Azobé fence posts of 6 x 6 cm, also durability class 1. For very heavy plants, an extra post is a sensible addition.
Advice from Hardwood Discount
Want to know which fence suits your planting plans? Message us on WhatsApp and we will gladly help.
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