There's something very beautiful about green vines winding and twisting around a residential fence. However, while the growing plant does provide a natural privacy barrier and adds some character to your property, it can also cause a lot of damage to the underlying structure. So, if you like this look but want to protect your fence, use this guide to select a safe growing plant.

What Type of Greenery Is Safe to Grow on Your Residential Fence?

1. Wood Fence 

Since wood is very susceptible to moisture, it can be tricky to grow any type of plant on or near it. Woody vines, in particular, should be kept far away as they hold excess moisture that could create rot and mold and attract unwanted pests. Instead, look for annuals like cardinal climber vine, moonflower, morning glory, and sweet pea. These plants thrive in sunny conditions, require minimal watering, and will only grow for a short while. 

2. Chain Link Fence 

You can be a lot more flexible about what grows on this type of residential fence. As long as the material is coated in vinyl to protect it against rust, you can choose from any number of flowering or foliage vines. However, it's best to steer clear of invasive species.

Silver lace vines, passionflower, and honeysuckle are all beautiful, but they tend to grow tremendously fast and could be harmful to specific environments. If you are not willing to perform regular trimming, consider a slower growing variety — such as wisteria, clematis, and grape ivy.

3. Aluminum Fence

One of the great things about installing an aluminum residential fence is its durability. The material is incredibly strong, and as a result, it can handle tough growing woody vines, like rambling roses and climbing hydrangea, that would cause cracks and moisture damage to weaker materials. Just remember the latter species and similar fast-growing breeds will require more maintenance to keep them from growing beyond the fence.

Whether it's for aesthetic appeal or privacy, the professionals at A & B Fence will help you choose the best residential fence to meet your needs. For 50 years, this family-owned company has provided commercial and residential fence installation services to Newark, OH. From vinyl to wood fencing, they specialize in all types of materials and installation purposes. Call them today at (740) 344-7943 for a free quote, and visit their website to learn more about their services.