Willow Fencing

Willow is a woodland shrub which when you cut it down sends up lots of useful shoots. After eight years these are ready to be coppiced or cut again yearly to be used in willow hurdles and rolled fence. Willow fence is considered a green and ecology sustainable fencing material because it is rapidly renewable material, it grow on non food productive land that will not compete with food source supply.

Willow while found naturally in woods is usually grown in planted areas called 'Osier Beds' .As with Hazel when you cut it down it sends up lots of shoots which are typically cut for use every 1-2 years. At one time most areas had osier beds in river valleys where willow likes to grow, usually to grow willow for basket-making.

The classic rustic fence made from willow is excellent as a windbreak, screen and for fencing children and animals in or out. Well cared for they will last for ten years especially where the rustic charms of a gracefully ageing panel are appropriate. There are different type of willow fences in the market, the most common one is the willow rolled fence, this is pretty much a DIY fencing material which allow you to install your fencing easily, it is flex and turn a corner easily, you can just tie them to the post with wire. If you are looking for a prebuild Willow Fence Panel you can go for the traditional English hurdle panels or the more modern style of panels in the market today.

What is a willow hurdle?

Fence panels of woven willow hurdle panel have been used for centuries. They are the ideal instant windbreak, less likely to blow down than sawn-lap panels, and give an attractive rustic appearance particularly effective in less formal settings.
Where do they come from?

Care and Maintenance

· In windy situations a third stake in the middle of the fence panel reduces damage from flexing in the wind.
· Regularly check posts are secure. This will help to reduce damage from flexing.
· The first place hurdles will rot is on the twists around the end posts. These twists are necessary to stop the end posts falling out and a 'good' hurdle will have frequent twists..
· A non-creosote preservative will help them to last.

Buying Willow fencing

The standard size of willow hurdles is six feet by three, four, five or six feet high. Most makers will offer a range of other wattle products for the garden and will make panels to any size you wish.

Willow rolled fencing come in rolled form, to install them just unroll the fence and tie them to the posts or the chain link fence, that can support them. It is a common and inexpansive way to hide your ugly metal fence from your property.