Port Orford Cedar
PVC Decking
TigerWood
Handrails
Underdeck
Benches
Cedar
Vinyl
Aluminum
Chain Link
Pasture
Aluminum Framed
Wood Framed
Vinyl Pergolas
Cedar Pergolas
Cedar Gates
Vinyl Gates
Ornamental Gates
Chain Link Gates
Arbors
Retaining Walls
It’s a common tale: You spend weeks planning the perfect fence. The holes are dug. The posts are set. The boards are nailed into place. You step back to admire your beautiful new masterpiece.
And you realize it sticks out from your lawn like a sore thumb.
In order to make your new aluminum, cedar or vinyl fence at home, you need to landscape with your fence in mind. Landscaping is what smooths the hard edges of your fence and helps it blend into the rest of your yard. A well-designed landscape helps ease the eye’s transition between the angular lines of your fence and the softer contours of your property. Here are some tips for incorporating your fence into a cohesive landscape design.
Blend or contrast? Decide whether you want to accent your fence as a yard feature or allow it to blend into the environment. The type of fencing material you choose will probably play heavily into this decision. A white vinyl fence will contrast with your greenery, while a cedar fence can blend in more easily.
Soften your fence with curves. Lining plants along your fence like straight little soldiers will only enhance the barrier feeling. Instead, design your landscaping beds with sweeping curves to break up your fence’s corners and hard angles. Lay out a garden hose and play around with the shape before you dig.
Landscape in layers. Imagine your landscape as a painting, and the plants are the colors. Your fence forms the backdrop, or the canvas on which you will paint. Begin by planting a row of larger plants, such as tall shrubs. Next, add in layers of mid-size plants. Finish with the smallest plants in front. This will add a feeling of depth and fullness to your landscape.
Vary heights, textures and colors. A successful landscape offers variety, not uniformity. The most pleasing landscapes include plenty of contrast and variety, with a natural and organic feel rather than factory-made appearance. Keep things cohesive, but allow for small moments of randomness.
Read more: Low-maintenance landscaping.
I agree that is one thing that people look over when buying a fence is the landscaping. When a new fence is install a lot of work has to be done in order to make it fit in. But once you make it fit in you still want it to stick out as a great looking fence.