6/1/24, 5:00 PM

WHICH IS BEST?

In your garden, you may already have hedging serving as the boundary, and you might be considering alternatives. Both fences and hedges have their advantages and can serve multiple purposes, but choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the characteristics of your property. Sometimes, having both simultaneously is an option, especially if you desire extra security.

Whether you opt for a fence or a hedge, it's essential to carefully consider the specific type. Leylandii hedges, for instance, are fast-growing but often require significant management and can have roots that cause damage in certain situations. Similarly, replacing a fence after just a few years isn't ideal. Look for fences with long guarantees that also complement your property's aesthetic. Prioritizing durability and visual appeal ensures a choice that stands the test of time, reducing maintenance duties associated with hedges.

Aesthetic Appeal:
Both fences and hedges can have aesthetic appeal in their own right when high-quality, well-made options are chosen. The type and style of your garden and property will likely influence your choice between the two. Fence panels can offer a smart and contemporary look, enhancing both interior and exterior views of a garden and property. They're often well-suited to modern or contemporary gardens and properties and can be combined with planting to maintain a green element. Hedges, on the other hand, bring a natural, lush, and organic look to a garden. They can be shaped and trimmed to match various styles, from formal, manicured designs to more relaxed, natural forms. Hedges are commonly used within more traditional properties or garden designs like cottage gardens or rural properties.

Maintenance:
Hedges require regular upkeep, including watering, pruning, or cutting back, and occasional fertilizing. There are also restrictions on when this maintenance can be carried out due to nesting birds. Hedge cutting and waste removal by a professional may entail ongoing costs if you don't have the necessary tools. Our timber fencing requires no maintenance during its lifetime; it’s made and treated for longevity, showcased with our industry-leading 25-year guarantee. Cheaper timber fencing options with shorter or no guarantees may require maintenance to ensure longevity and appearance.

Longevity:
A well-maintained hedge can last for decades, but choosing the right type is crucial. Fast-growing hedges are often chosen for quick boundary creation but can become burdensome to maintain. Our wooden fencing is designed to last at least 25 years, significantly outlasting many other options on the market.

Time to Install and Establish:
One of the significant advantages of a fence is the instant boundary it provides. Whether for privacy, security, aesthetics, windbreaks, or noise reduction with our acoustic fencing, the result is instant minus installation time. A hedge will take many years to establish, but depending on its requirements, such as height, it may impact whether a fence is a more suitable option.

Privacy and Security:
Both a fence and hedge can provide good privacy and security. However, a hedge will take several years to grow to the desired height and density. Once established, though, a hedge can create a formidable barrier that is difficult to breach, depending on the type. A good fence, on the other hand, provides perfect privacy and security from the day it is installed.