11 Cost-Effective Ways to Fence Your Garden

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As the adage goes, “fences make good neighbors,” having a boundary wall is not just for privacy purposes but also for a healthy lawn or garden. While it is a simple solution for those nosy neighbors, it will also serve as a deterrent for trespassers and wild animals that may damage your property. But fences do not have to break the bank.

There are several affordable yet effective fences that one can consider. Some of the major factors that decide the overall cost of the fence are – the area to be covered, the length and height of the fence, and the material.

Here is a list of some of the most cost-effective fencing ways to give your garden a much more organized look. While some can be purchased, some are DIY options that save you extra money.

1) Using pallets to fence your garden

Not just affordable, but building a fence out of pallets can also be extremely easy and quick. You can pick up gratis from some nurseries or construction sites. These can be installed either horizontally or vertically to build a fence. To ensure the quality of the pallets, you can check whether they have the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) logo.

This certifies that the pallets are heat-treated or fumigated to avoid the spread of insects and diseases. Also, pallets are usually quite durable as they are manufactured to withstand hefty loads. And even if one of them gets damaged, replacing it is also quite easy.

2) You can fence your garden using natural fences

Fences made of shrubbery, trees, or flowering bushes are aesthetically pleasing, environment-friendly, and cost-effective. Moreover, they are havens for birds and butterflies that help diversify your garden ecosystem. From prickly cacti to sweet-smelling flowers and deciduous shrubs, you can pick anything that is low-maintenance, easy to grow, hardy, and evergreen.

One of the most ubiquitous plants used for natural fencing is privet.

There are around 50 different species of shrubs and small trees from which you can choose. They can be easily grown as they are tolerant to almost any type of soil and moisture level. Also, they offer dense foliage along with flexible twigs, which makes it easier for them to be trimmed and shaped into different shapes and sizes. You can also go for options like yew or spotted laurel.

3) Putting up Bamboo Fences is another easy way to fence your garden

While privet is a common fencing plant, bamboo has also become a much sought-after option for many. This is usually because of the rusty and bohemian look that it offers. Moreover, bamboo grows very quickly. It can grow around 35 inches in just a day. This means that installing a bamboo fence is quite easy and quick.

All you need to do is to plant it along your desired path and watch it grow. If you wish, you can also buy bamboo fencing rolls. These are pre-made so that they will save you time. Also, if deer frequent your area, bamboo will deter them and protect your garden.

Although bamboo can be used for fencing, you must be careful of the variety you use, as some forms can be invasive. I wrote a complete guide on which bamboo is best suited for specific uses around the garden. Check it out here.

4) Another common way to fence your garden is by using pickets

Pickets are another common way of fencing your garden. They can easily be painted or stained, making your garden look more radiant and beautiful. Pickets come in a wide range of shapes and sizes as well. Since pickets are usually made of wood, they are quite inexpensive and easy to install.

Pine and cedar are two of the most popular choices. While pine is more affordable, cider is usually more long-lasting and durable. Cider is also known to withstand extreme weather conditions making it a great option. While wood is a traditional material used to make pickets, nowadays, one can also come across pickets made up of vinyl, metal, and PVC.

5) Chain links are a sure and cheap way to fence your garden

Chain link is yet another option that you can consider if you are tight on budget. Other than offering proper protection around your property, these fences are also quite sturdy.

Nowadays, these also come with customization options, making them more decorative and attractive. Chain link fences are one of the most effective ways of keeping your pets in and intruders out.

Also, planting a growing vine beside the fence will soon cover it entirely, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with your garden. You can also paint with oil-based exterior paint if you want that pop of color.

6) If you have livestock, use Barbed Wire to fence your garden

Barred wire fencing uses a steel wire constructed of sharp edges or points arranged uniformly along the strand. These fences can be a great option if you have livestock and do not want predators like wolves and coyotes to trespass. Barred wire fencing can also be considered for a garden or any area that you need to be protected from intruders.

Since it does not require much effort and materials, installing barbed wire is quite inexpensive.

One can also make a barbed wire fence at a minimal cost. However, it should be noted that in some countries, barbed wire fences are not permitted in certain urban areas. So, be sure you meet all the legal requirements before considering buying or building barbed-wire fences for your garden.

7) Chicken wire is a great way to fence your garden

As the name suggests, chicken wire is used to confine poultry. However, it is also a great fencing material because of its affordability. Chicken wire is like a skinny wire, but it is quite durable. It can be made sturdier with wood supports. A fence is formed when the chicken wire mesh is twisted 3-4 times, forming a honeycomb structure that makes it stronger.

Building a chicken wire fence is well within the capacity of any handy builder. You would need a few simple tools, wood, and chicken wire. You can also paint or stain it to give it a more attractive look.

Since the holes can be made quite small with chicken wire, it can help protect small and budding plants in your garden. You can easily create a cage in your garden for the plants that need extra care. This will keep them safe from chickens or bunnies.

8) Another excellent way to fence your garden is through Planter Fence

A planter fence is an amazing way to get some extra gardening space. You can put a vertical garden on your fence if you have a small garden. This would not add up to the aesthetic appeal of your garden and will also give your fence a new and fresh look.

You can use any fencing material that can easily support your planters. You can plant some vibrant flowers, shrubs, or even succulents in these planters. Be sure that all the planters are well spaced out so that each of them gets enough sunlight. You can create rows of planters or scatter them all over the place.

We have this fantastic article on 40 Top gardening hacks with plastic bottles. It can be used as inspiration and reference for making your planter fence cheap while also keeping the environment’s condition and upcycling in mind. 

9) A creative way to fence your garden is by putting up a Wattle Fence

A wattle fence can be made by weaving thin branches into wooden posts. The intertwined sticks and branches give a very rustic vibe. So much so that it looks like nature has itself created a barrier for intruders to protect your garden. This is why they go well with almost any type of garden or lawn.

To build a wattle fence, you must pick slender and flexible saplings of willow trees. Then, it would help if you stripped the leaves and buds from it. You can now start weaving them into wooden posts.

Making a wattle fence usually involves a learning curve, but you will be amazed by the final product. Once you can wrap your head around it, you can start making wattle doors and arches for your garden or lawn.

10) Split rail is one inexpensive way to fence your garden

A split rail fence is made by stacking 2-3 timber or logs rather than clean-cut wooden boards. And then, create a stack between the vertical posts, forming rails. These fences do not require a lot of material or effort; thus, they are quite inexpensive.

Putting up a split rail is perfect for keeping intruders at bay while enjoying an uninterrupted view.

Since deer can jump up to 8 feet, you would want a taller fence than that if you have deer in proximity. So, be aware of the animals in your area and build the fence accordingly. Also, while planning to build a split rail fence, you should look for western red cedar or yellow pine.

11) Stone Fence is an amazing and sturdy way to fence your garden

There is a possibility that the area in which you reside is covered with rocks and boulders. Although it may sometimes hamper your gardening, there is an amazing way to convert this curse into a blessing. Rocks would make great material for a sturdy and cost-effective fence.

Since rocks are available for free, or at least dirt-cheap prices in most places, you would not have to burn a hole in your pocket while shopping for materials. Also, this fence would be mortarless since the stones will be held in place with the help of friction and gravity, making it even more affordable.

Choices and purpose of fences in your garden

Whether you wish to build a fence for privacy, marking boundaries, or security, we have listed several budget-friendly fencing ideas that will protect your garden and add a nice accent at the edge.

However, since there are so many options, all these lists may confuse you. With that in mind, we have included a table that will help you make a prudent choice based on your needs:

FAQs On Cost Fencing Your Garden

Conclusion on 11 Cost-Effective ways to fence your Garden

While all these options are cost-effective, the type of material you choose may impact the overall cost. Other than this, it would help if you also note the weather conditions in your area. This is because your fences may need frequent repairs if the area is prone to heavy rainfall or storms.  

But no matter which material you choose, we are sure your wallet will thank you for choosing these fencing options! We hope that at least one of these options will tickle your fancy and help you build a fence that ticks all the right boxes!

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