23 September 2021
 Categories: , Blog

There are a lot of decisions to make when installing a new fence, not least of which is what material to use. If you care about the environment, then chances are you will want to install an eco-friendly fencing material.

1. Composite Wood

Composite is made from sawdust and recycled plastics held together with binders. It's environmentally friendly because it helps keep waste materials out of the landfill, instead providing them new life as an attractive fencing option. Composite fences are extremely durable and can provide decades of service, making them a good reuse for items otherwise destined for the dump.

2. Cedar

If real wood fencing is your preferred choice, consider cedar fencing. Although it is made from cut trees, farmed western red cedar is considered a renewable resource. Further, red cedar doesn't require any chemical treatments to prevent insect or weathering damage. The wood is naturally long-lived and rot-resistant, so there is no need to put any chemical preservatives into the environment. Many people don't even paint their cedar fences, instead opting to enjoy the rich color of the naturally aging wood.

3. Bamboo

Another natural and sustainable material to consider is bamboo fencing. Technically a grass, bamboo grows quickly so it can be sustainably harvested as a renewable resource. Bamboo comes in a variety of styles, from simple and rustic to sturdy and formal. It's also a low maintenance material that doesn't require frequent painting, staining, or other chemical inputs to serve a long life as a fencing material.

4. Living Fence

There are many types of living fences. The simplest is a fence made of shrubs planted and trained into a formal hedge. A variety of evergreens, such as arborvitae or privet, are typically the type chosen for a living fences. Another sustainable living fence option is to install a chain or metal wire fence to acts as a trellis. Vining plants or climbing roses can be trained to grow along the support structure to create the living fence. 

5. Masonry Fencing 

For those wanting a permanent fencing option that requires no maintenance, consider masonry fencing. Bricks are usually considered environmentally friendly in material and manufacture. Stone can be a bit more problematic depending on how it is quarried and transported, so it's important to choose stone from local eco-friendly quarrying operations. Since masonry fences can last a lifetime or longer and the materials can be reused if the fence is ever taken down, there are no ongoing environmental concerns with the material.

Contact a fence installation service to learn more about the material options available.