Traditional Maintenance Fences

Wood Plank Fences
Examples:
  • Any painted or stained wood plank fence
Pros
  • No artificial material can substitute for the look, feel and smell of genuine wood


  • 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 plank fences


  • Won’t deter wildlife


  • Wood will warp and crack over time if not maintained regularly


  • Wood is susceptible to insect damage


Wood Log Fences
Examples:
  • Pine log fence
Pros
  • Requires painting or staining


  • 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


  • Won’t deter wildlife


Metal Fences
Examples:
  • Cast Iron
Pros
  • Attractive and strong


  • Works as a boundary for children and pets
Cons
  • Expensive


  • Requires maintenance




Plant Barriers
Examples:
  • Shrubbery & hedges
Pros
  • Inexpensive


  • Attractive


  • Filters wind and sound


  • Blocks sunlight and adds cooling humidity to the air


  • If allowed to reach full height, can be a privacy wall


  • When mature, works as a boundary for children and pets
Cons
  • Long wait until plants are mature enough to do their job


  • Plant requires regular care; some require trimming


  • Plant will eventually die and need replacement


  • May not deter wildlife—some animals may prefer to eat your leafy fence


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