Vines can add color, vibrancy, and personality to your property. Whether they’re crawling up the siding or along your fence materials, they require careful management to ensure they don’t grow out of control. If you have a fence project planned and want to grow these plants, use this brief guide to avoid invasive species that damage and take over your home.

What to Know About Growing Vines on Fence Materials

How Plants Affect Different Fences

Aluminum and vinyl fencing are ideal for growing vines. They resist moisture, rot, and insect-related damage and are incredibly durable and long-lasting. Chain-link fencing is especially hardy, as the wire is galvanized to protect it from corrosion.

Wooden fences offer the least resistance to vines, especially woody plants that retain moisture that promotes rot and encourages insect activity. Continual exposure to humidity also causes the wood to warp and crack. 

However, pressure-treated wood offers more significant protection against decay and insects. It’s also easy to seal with a waterproof product for additional durability. This option is best for homeowners who enjoy the natural greens and browns on their properties.

Recommended Species

No matter what type of fence you want, avoid English ivies, Japanese honeysuckles, chocolate vines, and wintercreepers. These invasive species steal nutrients from other plants and shrubs and can damage the fence. Ivy species, for example, are so powerful that they can twist and warp fencing. 

Enjoy choosing from a wide variety of noninvasive, woody plants to beautify aluminum and vinyl fences. Choose among the many beautiful perennials such as clematis, coral honeysuckles, climbing hydrangeas, everlasting peas, and wisterias. Chain-link fencing also does well with these strong “climbers.”

If you have a wooden fence, choose nonwoody or herbaceous vines that won’t inflict rot or other damage. Annuals such as climbing nasturtiums, moonflowers, morning glories, cardinal climbers, and sweet peas all do well because they promote air circulation to keep the fencing dry.

Select your ideal fence materials from General Fence in Elko, NV. They’ll install the perfect barrier to protect your home, improve curb appeal, and blend with the surrounding greenery. They also offer repairs that can bring your fence back to life. Call (775) 753-6077 to schedule a free estimate, or learn more about their services online.