5 Eco-Friendly Fencing Options for Your Home

Eco-Friendly Fencing Options

When it comes to finding the right fence for your home, you want one that matches the style of your home, contributes privacy, and evokes curb appeal. In addition to these criteria, many homeowners also want their fences to be eco-friendly. It’s important to consider the materials the fence is made out of, the chemicals those materials could leach into your soil, and the environmentally-demanding maintenance that goes into the fence’s upkeep.

There are a number of fences made out of renewable resources that require little maintenance. Traditional fences made out of wood, stone, and metal are still go-to options, but often require frequent maintenance and sealant application that works its way into your soil. Meanwhile, metal fences and quarrying stone take a lot of energy to produce, therefore harboring a significant environmental impact.

There are five failsafe sustainable fencing options that require almost zero maintenance on your part, and allow the Earth to take a sigh of relief.

Composite Fencing

Stunning and responsibly-sourced, this fencing typically combines recycled wood or recycled plastic with wheat straw. The result is a flawless, stunningly-stained, 100% wood-looking fence that requires little to no maintenance. No preservatives are needed to keep this fence intact and leave it looking like new for decades to come.

Composite Fencing

These fences can easily last for 20+ years, particularly because the plastic components protect the material from weathering and moisture damage. These kinds of fences are made almost entirely of recycled materials, between 96-99 percent. While there is no way to recycle this fence again, you can rest easy knowing that no trees were harmed in the making of this fence – just plastic bags, newspaper sleeves, and paper towel overwrap.

Bamboo Fencing

Bamboo Fencing

If you’re looking for an environmentally responsible alternative to wood, bamboo is the answer. Although it visually resembles wood, it’s actually a grass, which means it regrows extremely quickly (we’re talking up to 3 feet a day).

While this can be a pricier option, it does help prevent deforestation while still bringing a woodsy look to your yard. It is easy to install, quite durable, and extremely attractive – hence its rising popularity in flooring and decking, too. It requires almost zero maintenance and can be integrated with other materials/recycled woods to create truly eye-catching designs.

Living Fence

Living Fence

A fence that protects the environment while simultaneously benefitting it. A living fence is made out of privacy trees and shrubs is beautiful, helps filter CO2 out of the atmosphere while contributing oxygen, and ups your yard’s landscaping game. Among the plants that can be used for your privacy hedge are: privet, juniper/cedar trees, and easily prune-able yew.

This is perhaps the prettiest and greenest direction to go with your fencing. Furthermore, it allows you to put your gardening skills to the test and get creative with your landscaping by featuring hedges and shrubs of all kinds.

The one consideration with these fences might be the level of privacy and restraint when it comes to pets. Animals can easily sneak their way through your living fence, so you’ll have to work hard to keep them contained. However, if this isn’t an issue, you may want to consider the most sustainable fence of all.

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed Wood

If you’re going for a rustic feel, reclaimed lumber is an excellent choice. By using old/salvaged woods to build a fence, you’re eliminating the need for newly-harvested wood. It also provides an aged appearance that, if varnished, can significantly restore it.

The one problem with reclaimed wood is its tendency to splinter, fade, or rot over time. However, spraying it with linseed or tung oil can help keep it fresh. This kind of fencing requires a little more maintenance, but definitely contributes to your environmental karma.

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar

If you want to remain environmentally conscious but are still adamant about having a beautiful wood fence, Western Red Cedar is your go-to. Its rich, warm color and durability makes it a popular selection. Western Red Cedar is harvested from a forest that is under careful monitoring of the British Columbia Forest Ministry. They prevent over-harvesting from occurring and cautiously manage its output, allowing only 1% of its cedar to be utilized for lumber.

Cedar requires no chemical treatment, which reduces its carbon footprint. Furthermore, it does not decay easily. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful kinds of fencing.

Finding a Fence You Love

Your fence is people’s first impression of your home. It should establish boundaries and evoke charm all at once. However, a fence can also be one more time-consuming and environmentally-demanding structure to deal with. By investing in sustainable fencing, you are saving money, saving on upkeep, and saving the planet.

If you are looking to go green and maintain an eco-friendly home, the aforementioned sustainable fencing options are attractive and versatile. They will serve their purpose and, perhaps, even inspire your neighbors.

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