How Fences Can Change Growing Conditions
You might first expect that growing plants near a fence is just like growing them in any other location. But the truth is that fences can alter growing conditions to a significant degree, which may impact the health of your plants. Read on to learn more about how that is the case.
Fences Can Block Sunlight
Fences, especially tall solid fences, can block sunlight, which may lead to weak or uneven growth for your plants. At times, the orientation of a fence can be so disadvantageous that it prevents sunlight from reaching your plants entirely. As most know, sunlight is crucial for plants, so you must study your fence to ensure it does not prevent your plants from getting the sunlight they need.
Fences that run from east to west and are located north of your plants will allow for the most sun exposure. A fence with the same orientation that sits to the south of your plants has the potential to block the sun entirely. Meanwhile, fences at other angles can alter sun exposure in numerous ways, which you should be cognizant of as well.
Fences Can Alter Wind Patterns
Fences can change the pattern of the wind in your garden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. In the former scenario, a fence may be a welcome addition if you have plants that are vulnerable to cold winds and your fence stands where it can block those winds.
In other instances, your fence may channel the wind to create harsh wind tunnels that could cause harm to your more-fragile plants. As is the case with any other environmental condition, the wind is something you should observe often to understand how it will affect your plants.
Fences Can Intercept Rainwater
Occasionally, a fence may intercept some amount of rainwater that falls in your growing location. This effect is often minimal but can have an impact on the soil moisture where your plants grow.
The obvious remedy to this potential issue is to monitor soil moisture in your garden around the fence area. If you notice that your fence prevents your plants from getting the water they need from the rain, add supplemental water accordingly.
Fences Can Crowd Your Plants
One of the most prevalent challenges that fences present to gardeners is overcrowding. Fences can serve as a definitive boundary, marking the end of your plant’s growing space.
To prevent overcrowding, you need to understand the mature size of your fence plants and space them based on that size. Pruning and trimming are also helpful chores that will keep your plants and fences from contacting each other unnecessarily.