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March 13, 2010  |  Login
Defining Your Space
By Eric Corey Freed
 
Fences define space while protecting your pets and kids. Instead of a fence, consider using a simple row of upright plants or stalks of bamboo to create a hedge. You’ll get all the privacy of a fence, plus natural beauty. Adding a trellis or arbor can provide shade for your home on south- or west-facing sides of the house.

Consider the following materials for fences, trellises, and arbors:

  • Wood: When using wood, choose rot-resistant species like cypress and ipe. The best choice is FSC-certified wood.
  • Composite recycled plastic lumber: Combining recycled plastic and sawdust, composite lumbers are more environmentally friendly than wood. Look for brands with the highest recycled content.
  • Salvaged metal: Found or salvaged metal railings, pipes, or fencing make a great trellis or arbor. Your local salvage yards carry a wide selection.
  • Fiber cement: These durable panels are made from cement, sand, and wood fiber. Often used as a siding, it can also be used for fencing.

Tip: Because the winter sun is lower than the summer sun, you can design a trellis to block the hot summer sun but still allow the winter sun into the home. The boards of the trellis can be arranged as shown in this diagram. This layout will block the summer sun but still allow the winter sun in to warm your house.

 

 
 

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