There are few things more idyllic and more beautiful to look at than a house, a fence, or a trellis covered with dark, green, leafy vines. But did you know that these plants can severely damage your property?
Making the wrong selection on the type of vine that you plant around your wooden fence can have severe consequences, causing damage to the structure that will cost time and money to repair or replace. It may look good for awhile, but it’ll be ugly when you pull away the vines to find that your fence has rotted.
How can you prevent damage to your fence while achieving that beautiful, rustic look that climbing ivy can give you?
Choose Your Vines Wisely
The most important thing you can do when planting climbing ivy is to make sure you’ve got a species that won’t be damaging or too intrusive. Woody perennials should be avoided. They are capable of forcing their way across wood and into cracks, causing damage to the structure, while thick foliage has a tendency to harbor mold, mildew and moisture that can severely warp the boards.
Choose varieties of vines that are annuals or will be pruned naturally by winter’s frost. This keeps their growth in check and avoids overwhelming your fence. Some good varieties are: climbing roses, star jasmine, grape, and morning glory.
Avoid English ivy and Trumpet vine. These species are highly invasive and difficult to control.
Don’t have a fence yet? If you live in Mequon, Fox Point, or anywhere else within the Milwaukee metro area, just call us. We’ll be happy to give you a free estimate on a brand new fence.
