It is associated with picket fences and with homes that want to have a more traditional exterior to the garden. However, once you have had a wooden fence installed around your garden, that is not the end of it.
Wood as a material is incredibly hardy, but it does require some maintenance to ensure that it retains its strength and, of course, that it does not decrease the value of your home. So, what are some of the best tips for maintaining wooden fencing? Read on to find out it’s not that hard, promise!
Regular Cleaning
Whether the fencing that you have is around your garden or is part of a larger estate fencing, you will need to ensure that the wood is regularly cleaned to remove mold, mildew, and debris that may have landed on it from trees and other fauna. This can be done by using a solution of mild dish soap and water or a targeted wood cleaner, which may be required if the word is painted. Simply scrub the fence with a soft brush and rinse it with water until any stains are removed. This will prevent the build-up of grime and bacteria, which can cause the wood to rot.
Seal It
Another way you can protect the wooden fencing is to seal it with a protective varnish. This will prevent water absorption and protect the wood against UV rays. You can even find some sealants that will deter pests that can burrow into the wood. Just make sure that you choose a high-quality sealant that suits the aesthetics of your garden as well as the wood type that you are sealing. Be sure to apply the sealant every few years or as recommended on the label, as this will keep the wooden fencing in good condition.
Check It
If you live in an area that backs onto a wood, you may need to check your fencing regularly for signs of damage. This can look like loose boards or even chew marks along the bottom, where a fox or badger has tried to get in! You should also be looking for loose boards, splinters, and mold. This is a proactive approach that can extend the life of your fencing and save you the cost of extensive repairs.
Trim Vegetation
Many people who are opting to have a wildlife garden will choose wooden fencing because it is easy to grow plants like ivy on the panels. To ensure that the panels do not become warped or overwhelmed with weight, you will need to ensure that any surrounding vegetation is kept in check. Overgrown ivy can contribute to moisture retention against the wood, which can speed up rotting and reduce the strength of the planks.
Pest Protection
There are hundreds of critters living in your garden who will be more than happy to burrow into your wooden fence! Therefore, you need to take preventative measures to protect it. You can apply wood preservatives, which will deter insects, and make sure that there is a thick layer of sealant, which can make it harder for insects to burrow. As mentioned, termites or other wood pests, and if you notice them, contact a pest control professional.
