Low Maintenance Landscape Fences

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Wood Log Fences Cedar Split Rail Fence Stacked Log Zigzag Fence Leaning Log Teepee Fence Railroad Tie Fence

Natural Examples: Leaning log teepee fence Stacked log zigzag fence Cedar split rail (durable in all weather without treatment) Bamboo post rail (durable in all weather without treatment) Treated Examples: Railroad tie fence (durable due to saturation in oil) Pressure–treated log pine rail (durable due to injected chemicals) Pressure–treated square pine rail (durable due to injected chemicals)

Pros No maintenance except repair Strong, sturdy, durable If you bargain shop, materials can be inexpensive Rustic beauty Free flow of sunlight and air Contains large animals in a pasture Attractive frame for garden vines Cons Cumbersome, time–consuming assembly Children and pets can climb over/under most log fences Treated wood will leech chemicals into garden soil Won’t deter wildlife

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Woven Wood Fences Bamboo Cane Fence

Examples: Bamboo whole cane fence Split bamboo cane fence Woven willow fence

Pros No maintenance except repair Easy to assemble Inexpensive Beautiful accent for Asian–themed gardens Filtered shade and wind Tall fences offer full privacy Contains children and pets if kept in repair Cons Thin fence materials are delicate, more easily damaged Deer may nibble the fence

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Metal Barrier Fences Chain Link Fence Cast Iron-Look Aluminum Fence

Examples: Chain link fence Cast iron–look painted aluminum fence

Pros No maintenance except for repair Strong, long lasting Cast iron–look aluminum fences are attractive, lighter Chain link fences can offer privacy (with vinyl slats added) Keeps children and pets secure Extra–tall fences (over 7 feet) deter wildlife, such as deer Keeps livestock secure Cons Chain link fences have an industrial aura Cast iron–look aluminum fences are expensive

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Vinyl Fences Vinyl Classic Ranch Fence Vinyl Picket Fence & Vinyl Privacy Fence Cast-Iron Look Vinyl Fence

Examples: Classic ranch fence Lattice fence Cast–iron look fence Privacy fence

Pros Virtually no maintenance Durable and strong (for the weight) Privacy fences available Attractive–available in a variety of styles and colors Some styles effectively contain children, pets, livestock Some styles deter wildlife Cons Expensive Vinyl fences have no unique identity; most vinyl fences imitate classic, high maintenance materials, such as wood and iron

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Stone or Brick Fences Brick Fence Stone Fence

Examples: Stone and mortar Brick and mortar Concrete block fence

Pros Virtually no maintenance Durable and strong Stately and attractive Taller fences provide privacy Taller fences are effective sound buffers Contains children, pets, livestock May deter wildlife Cons Expensive Trained bricklayer often required Blocks all sunlight and wind unless lattice brick design Concrete block fences are plain—finishing them with paint requires regular maintenance

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Concrete Fences Simulated Stone Fence Concrete Fence

Examples: Simulated stone fence Simulated brick fence Stylized design fence

Pros Not as expensive as brick, but similar benefits Virtually no maintenance Durable and fairly strong Can be attractive Taller fences provide privacy Taller fences can be fair sound buffers Contain children, pets, livestock May deter wildlife Cons Cement walls may crack Blocks all sunlight, wind; may leave corners dark and damp

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Tension Mesh Fences

Examples: Mesh deer garden fence Swimming pool barrier fence

Pros No maintenance except repair Durable for weight (aluminum and mesh) Typically seasonal, removable May be expensive & require professional setup Easy fence to see through Allows free flow of sun and wind Not easy to climb—often used as a swimming pool barrier Tall fences keep deer from garden Cons Mesh may rip or tear under strain, compromising fence

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Wood & Metal Pasture Fences Treated Wood Post Pasture Fence

Examples: Treated wood or metal post and wire fence Treated wood or metal post with barbed wire or pipe

Pros No maintenance except regular repair Simple construction Long lasting if repaired when damaged One of the least expensive fence options for containing livestock Electric fence can be added easily to prevent livestock leaning Cons Humble appearance Barbed wire can be dangerous to children Wildlife can jump most wire fences

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Electric Fences

Pros No maintenance except repair and power checks Simple, fast construction Long lasting if repaired when damaged Often the least expensive fence option for containing livestock Cons Humble appearance Electric tapes or wires can be broken by startled livestock Requires constant power source and power supply Will shock adventurous children Wildlife can jump most electric fences

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