Roots And Branches: A Nightmare For Your Fence?
Landscaping and fences go great together, but there are some times that shrubs, trees and plants can actually be detrimental to a fence.
Maintaining an aluminum fence doesn’t just mean keeping it clean and free from scratches and in good working order; it also means maintaining the areas surrounding the fence, most notably trees and other landscaping elements that could become a hazard for the fence.
Getting to the root of the problem
Roots can wreak havoc on many outdoor renovation projects. Any project that involves digging in the ground could give way to some hidden roots from nearby trees. If these roots are simply cut through and discarded, it could cause a problem for the growth of the tree in the future. Furthermore, the post or other item you are placing in the ground could soon become tangled in new root growth, meaning you will be doing another renovation project sooner than you thought!
A general rule of thumb when planning out where to put a fence with trees nearby is to assume the roots go as far out as the tree limbs. This distance from trees might not work for your fence depending on the location of the perimeter of your yard. Thankfully, aluminum fencing panels only need to go into the ground at the posts. This means you can plan out your fence positioning better and hopefully have better luck with any roots that are already in place. If you are worried about a particularly root-filled area of the yard, ask for advice from a fencing specialist to ensure you are positioning the panels in the best way.
High up in the branches
Roots can be avoided and worked around, but what about branches? Tree branches can fall onto an unsuspecting fence, scratching it or even taking it down with it. Similarly, branches can be low enough that they repeatedly bump into the fence’s surface, potentially leaving tiny scratches on the surface of the fence.
Thankfully, aluminum fence panels come with a heavy-duty powder coating that helps protect the fence from damage. What might leave tiny scratches on other metals or materials can usually be avoided with aluminum fencing thanks to this coating. Aluminum is also spectacular at standing up to extreme conditions, with small branches being no match for the strong metal. If you ever notice larger-sized branches that have fallen in the vicinity of your fence, it is worth taking a look at the fence’s surface to ensure there are no scratches in the coating that need a touch up.
Using landscaping to your benefit
Don’t let the thought of falling branches and troublesome roots scare you away from having fences and trees coexist in your yard. Landscaping in general can help brighten up any outdoor space. Landscaping also helps a fence look more inviting, welcoming guests to your property with some greenery and an elegant fence structure.
Some landscaping even helps your fence do more for you and your property. For example, having certain vines grow near your fence can help with privacy. Similarly, having tall trees or shrubs can help the yard feel more like a private oasis.
Whatever you choose for your landscaping, you’ll know that you have chosen a good, strong material with aluminum that will help your fence stay in excellent condition.