In this article, we take a look at hedging v fencing – the pros and cons of both. If you’re considering options for screening your garden, the 2 that will probably spring to mind are hedging and fencing. It’s important to consider the longevity of your screening option and the space that you want to screen.
Hedging v Fencing – the pros and cons
Hedging
PROS OF HEDGING
1. Hedging is less expensive than fencing, particularly if you have a large space to screen. Hedging is approximately 50% cheaper than fencing, and of course it will be a living, growing investment for many years to come.
2. Hedging also houses and shelters many species of wildlife. Hedgehogs, invertebrates and birds all find places to nest, feed and raise their young in hedging. Many of the hedge varieties bear fruits and berries that are highly nutritious for wildlife too.
3. Hedge screening can also provide shade – not only for wildlife but for humans too! They cast shadow from their dense foliage, which in the summer months, can be welcoming!
4. A good, thick hedge can also absorb noise and dust, enhancing the space in your garden as a cool, quiet, clean air space, to breathe in, relax and enjoy the serenity.
5. Hedges can work as incredible wind breaks too – the biting wind in the winter months can be reduced by the shielding of a thick, tightly packed hedge.
6. It goes without saying, that hedges are more environmentally friendly than fences. They’re a natural product, protect the soil and are an important component of the eco-system.
7. In some cases, hedging can improve the resale value of your home. It makes your garden more aesthetically pleasing and can work as a backdrop to showcase other features in your outdoor space.
CONS OF HEDGING
1. Depending on your local area, planting a hedgerow may require permission from the local authorities.
2. Depending on the size and type of hedging you opt for, it may take a few years to grow to the height you want. Patience is key when planting a new hedgerow, but very much worth the intrigue and patience!
3. Because hedges are living plants, they grow! If you’re planting a hedge near your property, you need to be aware that as it grows it could encroach on your property and thus reduce the space around the outside of your home.
4. As in point 3, hedges grow and to keep them in shape and looking good, they need regular maintenance. If they’re kept under control with regular trimming and a little bit of tlc, you’ll reap the benefits for years to come. If they’re allowed to grow out of control for a few years, it’ll be a mammoth task to get them back under control.
FENCING
PROS OF FENCING
1. Fencing is probably your best bet for screening small garden spaces. Hedges will encroach upon a small garden space and make it look smaller. Fencing on the other hand, will keep the space open. And of course, you can screen the fence with climbing shrubs to soften the look of the fence.
2. Fencing needs little maintenance throughout the year as opposed to hedges that grow. They need to be maintained obviously, to ensure they don’t rot or break, but unless you have a huge amount of fencing, maintenance of it is relatively straight forward.
3. When you erect a fence, you’ll instantly get rewarded with privacy of your garden space, where you can relax with friends and family in a safe environment.
4. Fencing offers a good return on investment, particularly in small spaces. Good quality fencing should last for many years with little maintenance if it’s erected properly.
CONS OF FENCING
1. If you’re putting up your fencing in a large space, you may need to check with the local authorities that you can do it.
2. Fencing is more expensive than hedging – about 50% more expensive, so although you’ll get a good return on your investment, your initial lay out in monetary terms will be larger.
3. Fencing is less eco-friendly. Fencing is manufactured, so there is an element of processing involved, which as we all know, isn’t particularly good for the environment.
4. If you’ve got noisy neighbours, or live on a busy main road, don’t expect your fencing to shield you from the cacophony! It simply won’t filter any noise! And it can also reflect sound back towards your house.
5. Depending on the weather and the footings of your fencing, it can be knocked down in strong windy conditions. Repairing a portion of fencing is time consuming and many times, it needs totally replacing, depending on the damage.
6. Aesthetics – let’s face it, fencing isn’t as attractive as a beautifully, thick, living hedgerow! Whatever colour you paint it, it’s still fencing and even if you camouflage it with climbing shrubs, it won’t emulate the beauty of a good quality hedge!
So there you have it! Hedging v Fencing – the pros and cons of hedging v fencing. We are readyhedgeltd.com – suppliers of ready spaced, ready to plant hedging varieties to contractors and the general public. If you have any questions regarding hedging, please see our website www.readyhedgeltd.com