An aluminum fence around the perimeter of your property brings a whole host of benefits to your home. Not only will it improve security and privacy, but it will also improve the look of your home, boosting its curb appeal and its value.
While aluminum fencing is known for its longevity, minimal upkeep, and low maintenance, there are some factors within your own garden that could jeopardize its long-term future.
Here are some garden landscaping tips to help safeguard your fencing and ensure it stands proudly around your home for decades to come.
Keep trees maintained
Most of us have trees or bushes somewhere in our gardens. If yours are anywhere near your aluminum fencing, it is important to get them taken care of and pruned regularly. Ensure there are no overhanging branches that could fall onto your fencing. Carry out regular checks to make sure the trees are solid and not at risk of falling. This is particularly important if you live in an area with frequent high winds or storms.
Look out for roots
Make sure you are aware of the roots on your trees and plants, particularly in the vicinity of your aluminum fencing. Large roots pushing up from under the soil can uproot your fencing and cause areas and sections of it to lift. This is also something to consider when you first install your own DIY aluminum panels and posts. A garden landscaper or a tree surgeon could help you determine the location and strength of root systems on your land.
Choose plants wisely
Avoid intrusive plants close to your fencing. Intrusive plants are those that spread quickly and take over other plants. They often have strong roots and can be quite invasive. Ensure such plants are further away from your fencing to avoid the risk of roots and strong plants causing your fence to become unstable or warp.
Ensure your garden has good drainage
Poor drainage can turn your garden into something of a mud bath. While aluminum is generally resistant to the effects of water, mud splatters will make your fencing look less than great. Cleaning it off is easy enough using a hose and a light scrubbing sponge, but ensuring your garden’s drainage is up to scratch will mean you do not have to clean your fencing too often. This will leave you with more time to simply relax and enjoy your outdoor space.
Keep climbing plants off your fencing
Climbing plants can make an extremely attractive feature in your garden, but it is best to avoid allowing plants to climb your aluminum fences. This could add some extra weight to it, which you want to avoid, and aluminum fencing looks too good to cover up. If you do want to create a climbing plant feature, opt for a trellis for your plants to climb rather than letting them do it directly on the metal fence.
Get your garden landscaping right and your aluminum fencing should be a feature around your home for a very long time. As a non-ferrous metal, aluminum is not susceptible to the effects of moisture, making it a great choice in many different climates. It is easy to clean, doesn’t need repainting, and does not require the same maintenance as its wooden or wrought iron counterparts.
