Learn the lingo for lawn installation By Maureen Gilmer
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Woody vines, known as lianas, make excellent fence extenders because they are stiff enough to stand on their own atop a fence or wall.
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This six foot wall was extended to eight feet by a "temporary" wood structure with reed fence and bougainvillea trained across the top.
While building codes don't let you build the fence taller, you can train certain plants in a way that extends the height considerably. Stiff woody vines that produce long canes can be espaliered up the fence to fan out into arches that rise well above the top. This can add two or more feet to its overall height.
Get a list of the top 10 climbing vines.
Get a list of the top 10 privacy plants.
Vines ask for little ground space to do their job, with a single trumpet vine expanding twenty feet in each direction. This is an ideal choice for screening small spaces where there's not a square foot to spare. In cooler regions where you are limited to deciduous plants, the screen becomes transparent during the winter months.
| COST | TIMING | EFFECTIVENESS | MAINTENANCE | | high | slow | moderate | high |
What is a variance?
Sometimes you can petition the city to allow you to build a fence or wall taller than the code allows, but you must have a very good reason for doing so. For example, if your yard backs up to the dumpster area of a neighborhood shopping center, a larger wall helps to screen this undesirable view and reduce both noise and odor caused by the dumpster. Because petitions are considered on a case by case basis, inquire at the building or planning department of your city to see if your problem might earn a variance. Variances are not common, but can be a real benefit for problem homesites.
Tradeoff: The vines will require regular training and pruning as they age to establish the proper framework. Once mature, some grow into a huge mass needing regular pruning and attention. Without pruning their growing weight can pull down the vine onto one side or the other of the fence. Fortunately once established you can hide steel pipe inside the vines to give them further support.
Tip: Some homeowners are vehemently opposed to vines, so be sure to check with your neighbor before selecting this option.
FAQs
Extend the Fence with Plants
How do I add height to an existing fence? ›
Install Fence Post Extenders
This allows you to easily add additional length to your fence without removing or replacing any existing posts. Fence post extenders are typically made of galvanized steel or aluminum. They come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits the diameter of your existing posts.
How to make a fence higher without replacing it? ›
Add Trellis/Lattice Screen
A trellis is a popular and beautiful way of adding height to your fence. Some call it a fence topper. It's designed to rest on top of your existing fence as opposed to blending in with it. Most toppers are between 1 and 2 feet in height and run from one end of the fence to the other.
What is the best plant to grow along a fence? ›
Plants to Cover a Fence — 10 Pretty Ideas to Grow That Will Give You More Privacy, and Hide Ugly Boundaries
- Climbing hydrangea. ...
- Ivy. ...
- Honeysuckle. ...
- Climbing rose 'Iceberg' ...
- Wisteria. ...
- Bamboo. ...
- Burkwood Viburnum. Viburnum × burkwoodii 'Mohawk' ...
- Trumpet vine. Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), also known as trumpet creeper.
If your fence is actually a solid wall of, say brick or block, you can. But, if your fence has posts, You'll have to build another fence of the correct size that you want.
How to add trellis to top of existing fence? ›
One effective method to fix trellis to a fence is using wooden battens. These battens act as a buffer between the trellis and the fence, providing a secure attachment point. Drill the battens into the fence posts or directly into the fence panels if there are no posts. Ensure the battens are level and evenly spaced.
Is an 8 foot fence too high? ›
In some situations, an eight foot fence is actually necessary for full privacy. If there are other properties uphill from your home, you may need a higher fence to block their view into your yard. Or, if your property abuts a loud or busy street, the extra height can help keep out noise.
How to extend fence height with trellis? ›
This method would involve attaching timber battens to the rear of your posts so they finish above the post at the height that you would like your trellis to finish at. Trellis can then be screwed to the front of these battens above your existing fencing.
What is the best plant to block neighbors' views? ›
Arborvitae (Thuja)
The most popular trees for living fences are American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), Arborvitae 'Emerald Green' (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'), and the baby giant arborvitae tree (Thuja plicata x standishii 'Virginian').
What is the best shrub for a fence? ›
While evergreens like boxwood, yews, and junipers provide a year-round screen, other shrubs, such as lilacs, weigela, and hydrangeas, offer spring or summer flowers. Come autumn, common witch hazel and viburnums create show-stopping color as their foliage changes to golds, reds, and yellows.
Arborvitae. If you need your privacy fast, how about the Green Giant Arborvitae which can grow three to five feet in one year. This shrub can grow to a mature height of 30-50 feet, but it tolerates shearing to keep it to the size you prefer.
How to extend fence height with plants? ›
While building codes don't let you build the fence taller, you can train certain plants in a way that extends the height considerably. Stiff woody vines that produce long canes can be espaliered up the fence to fan out into arches that rise well above the top. This can add two or more feet to its overall height.
How to block out the neighbours? ›
Although fences and brick walls can do the trick, adding an extra divider, screen or plant barrier can block your neighbor's two-story view for good. To create your secret retreat, freestanding privacy screens, wood slat partitions and partially enclosed pergolas are effective (and nice to look at).
How far apart to plant fence posts? ›
Typical spacing is right around 8 feet between each post however different circ*mstances may call for different measurements and it is not uncommon to have spacing between posts reach up to 10 feet. Once you have a rough idea of your post layout start by digging your first hole.
How do I make my fence post higher? ›
The cost effective solution is to use fence post extensions, considering that the concrete fence posts are still in good condition. Simply slide the oversized panels into the existing concrete posts and then slot the post extension inbetween the panels onto the concrete post.
Can I build up to my fence? ›
If you or your neighbour wish to build up to and astride the boundary line, you can do with the express written permission of the other party. In addition, you cannot move or do anything to the boundary line without consulting with your neighbour, with a formal party wall award required before commencing any work.
Can I put a privacy screen on top of my fence? ›
Yes, you can install a privacy screen on an existing wood fence. First, ensure that the wall is sturdy enough to support the additional weight of the privacy screen. Next, choose a design that aligns with your fence structure, and follow the appropriate installation method based on the screen's design.
How do I make all my fence posts the same height? ›
All you need to cut the posts to an even height is a circular saw. Using a circular saw rather than a manual saw or any other type of saw will give you greater control, ensuring that you'll have a clean cut rather than a rough one.
