Installing a wooden fence around your premises is a great idea. Not only does wooden fencing enhance privacy, but it also adds aesthetic appeal to your property. This fence also adds to your property value. It also makes your home feel elegant and inviting. However, wooden fencing also requires a decent amount of upkeep and maintenance. This is essential to avoid damage and maximize your fences’ lifespan.
In detail below, let’s consider some dos and don’ts of wooden fencing.
Don’t Hang Vines Around Your Wooden Fence
Even though vines entwined around a wooden hang look pretty, they can cause hefty damage to the fence. This is because plants are full of moisture. Insects also thrive on plants. Both plants and moisture should not touch wooden fences as they can damage the wood.
Don’t Hang Things on the Fence
It’s best not to hang items on your wooden fence. Hanging items like baskets with flowers can cause the wooden fence to warp. If you have to hang something, make sure the item is super light.
Don’t Point Sprinklers Toward the Fence
Water can damage your fence and shorten its lifespan. If your yard has sprinklers, ensure they don’t face the fence. It’s best if the wooden fence stays dry.
Don’t Add Weight to the Fence
It’s best not to add any added pressure to your wooden fence. Don’t use the fence to support bricks and ladders or pile firewood. Also, don’t lean objects against your fence.
If any vegetation is growing on your fence, trim it. This will add extra weight to the fence.
Don’t Let Water Pool Around Fence Posts
Water pooling around fence posts can cause soil erosion. This can make fence posts shift from their position. Water can pool around fence posts while cleaning the area. To avoid this, ensure there is adequate drainage around your fence.
Do Treat the Wooden Fence
Sealing wood protects it from deteriorating. It minimizes weather damage and pests entering the fence. Treat your wooden fence once every three to five years to ensure protection. Staining or painting the fence can also provide added protection. It keeps your fence safe from moisture and termite damage.
Do Repair Your Fence Timely
Fences can easily get damaged. They can get damaged by an insect infestation, by your pets, or due to bad weather and storms. If you notice fence posts beginning to rot, replace the post at once. This will prevent moisture from spreading to the rest of the fence. If your fence has some broken posts that are not attended to, it can damage your entire fence structure.
Final Thoughts
Wooden fencing sure can look pretty but requires a decent level of upkeep. Routine maintenance is essential to keep your wooden fence in the best shape. If you care for your wooden fence well, it can last a long time and be worth the investment.
