Monday, May 9, 2011

How To Deal With Grass Shaded By Fences

Meticulous gardeners and backyard hobbyists find that one of the most frustrating tasks is to maintain good quality lawns and gardens in areas where a fence blocks out sunlight.  There are a few solutions available that offer hope.
Solid fences, although attractive, pose a number of issues.  Because of the wind resistance that they present, solid fences are more vulnerable to sway and swing, and often become out of alignment.  Solid fences also draw considerable heat from the sun’s rays, and dry out the soil more quickly on their sunny side than on their back sides.  This creates significant temperature swing that is stressful for plants and grasses next to that fence line.  It is not uncommon to see burned grass in mid-summer right next to the solid fence.  Because of their design rainfall tends to pool as kit runs off the vertical fence side. 
The easiest solution to resolve problems created by solid fencing is to till the soil about six inches back from the fence.  This allows water to drain more freely and provides, like loose-fill insulation, a moderating effect on  temperature swings.  On the shaded side, hostas, ivies and other woodland floor types of ground cover are ideal.  The ground cover will wick up the excess moisture that the aerated soil is unable to absorb.
There are a number of shade-tolerant grasses that grow well along the sunlit-deprived fence lines.  By blending a mix of one part open-area grass seed to three parts shade grass seed, and overseeding in the first one to two feet near the fence, you will be able to maintain a good lawn, and very little variation in grass colour will be detected.
Because fences that are built low to the ground do not allow for proper air movement, moss and other shade-craving nuisance plants will develop.  Ideally, construct solid fences (not those made with brick or stone) with a four to six inch gap at the bottom.  This will allow for good air flow and a minimal amount of light to penetrate.
A less attractive, but viable option for solid fences that block sun to grassy areas is to apply a layer of decorative stone (river rock or crushed mica, feldspar or similar stone) along the six inch edge along the fence.  Do not use bark or other mulching types of material, as these will hold the moisture.  
A unique option for areas where the light is limited in only a small space is to use reflective design features, such as ponds, mirrors, or even aluminum barbeques and accessories, strategically placed so that the sunlight will reflect back against the fence or dark corner for a few hours each day.
The best option, though, is to avoid constructing a solid fence section  where lack of sunlight will cause problems with the grass or plant growth.  In the alternative, plan to eliminate vegetation in  those areas, and, instead, find more attractive non-plant solutions.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Integrating fence into deck or patio

Particularly in urban environments, decks that are bordered by a fence, or decks that integrate the fence component into the design are common.  There are a variety of advantages to coordinating fence enclosures with your deck that contribute to that appeal. 
A border that flows easily from one backyard structure to another provides an aesthetic advantage, which makes a standalone structure less intrusive. Landscaping that further amalgamates various elements of your back yard provides a smooth transition from the natural environment to the man-made modules.
Continuing the construction design of a deck with a fence constructed of similar materials provides cost and construction savings, as well. However, disparate materials and accents can provide a focal point for specific features that you wish to highlight.
When designing the layout, materials and visual impact of your fence and deck combination, you should view the package as an extension of your inside living space since, indeed, you are expanding your home by adding this seasonal outdoor living feature.  Consider, carefully, how you have utilized your outdoor space in the past, what your social entertainment needs for the space may be, and how you would like to use this space to greatest benefit.  Rather than attempting to emulate a design that you saw in a magazine or at an outdoor living show, adapt your plan to meet your individual wants, needs and preferences. Having a large deck with a host of accent pieces, fancy accessories and so on may look great in the showroom or in a magazine, but may not meet your personal needs.
By integrating the fence into your deck design, you will be able to isolate this outdoor living space more effectively, and develop features that blend well. For those of us that prefer to hold larger social gatherings in our back yards, consider a more Spartan design, with fewer adornments.  The open, Spartan feel will allow for greater freedom of movement by guests.  In that instance, a simply designed fence, with clean lines, will suit your needs.  But if you prefer more intimate gatherings, consider building alcoves or seating elements into the perimeter enclosure, turning the fence into seating and areas more amenable to one-on-one conversations.  If you prefer to use your backyard as a place of privacy and contemplation, consider deck swings and softer bench designs that blend into your fence and deck, and allow for the two of you to contemplate your surroundings peacefully.
Practical considerations are important in planning the layout of your fence and deck combination, as well.  For decks that are elevated 24 or more inches above ground, building codes in your region may well require a fence that meets minimum standards.  On a ground-level deck, a fence may act as an impediment rather than an attraction.  If children or pets are involved, you may need to provide a fence that offers security and a safe enclosure.
The design and integration of a fence into your deck and patio should not be a casual consideration, but undertaken only after considering the use to which the area will be put, and your specific needs or requirements.