Vine-covered fences are timeless and create a beautiful privacy barrier. Unfortunately, if not handled with extreme care, these plants can be destructive as they grow up and around your structure. Use this guide to make sure you get a lush covering without harming your installation and the surrounding environment.

Do:

Select a herbaceous vine for wood.

While most vines can be planted near aluminum and iron fences, fast-growing, woody species are likely to rot or crack a wooden fence. Although all vines will hold some moisture against the structure, gentler herbaceous annuals—such as morning glories, sweet peas, and moonflowers—will retain less water. At the end of the growing season, you can easily remove the dead plant.

Construct a wire trellis.

Adding a wire trellis to a wooden or vinyl fence prevents the vine from growing directly against the material. This minimizes moisture buildup that can cause warping, cracking, rotting, and fungus and algae growth.

Place hanging hooks on top of the posts or horizontal beams to avoid drilling into the material. However, you can also use cup hooks. Place one at the top and bottom at both ends of the structure. Then, twist galvanized wire around each hook and extend it to the other side.

Don’t:

Start with random seeds or clippings.

It’s best not to leave anything up to chance when it comes to growing vines. If you accidentally end up with an invasive species, it can overtake your lawn, trees, garden, and potentially your house.

Visit a nursery for the ideal species selection. Talking with the staff will also help you choose a plant suited to your fencing material and the level of maintenance you’ll be able to provide.

Knot the vine.

When the vine begins to grow up the fence or adjacent trellis, you’ll have to occasionally maneuver the branches around the posts or wire to get them to continue growing in a specific direction. While you can carefully wrap the plant around the materials, never tie it in a knot, as this can break the tendrils and make the vine susceptible to pests and disease. If you need extra help guiding the foliage, use a piece of yarn, but avoid making the knot too tight.

Before you can grow a vine, you need a quality fence to put it on. For over 25 years, Trudeau’s Fence Company has been the premier contractor for residential and commercial installations and repairs in Columbus, OH. They carry a wide range of materials and styles, including wood, vinyl, steel, aluminum ornamental, and galvanized and vinyl-coated chain-link. Call them today at (614) 876-9944 for a free estimate. Visit their website to learn more about their diverse options.