4 Tips for Setting Up Reed Fence

A reed fence with greenery underneath it.
What You'll Need
Wire
Horseshoe nails
Hammer
What You'll Need
Wire
Horseshoe nails
Hammer

The general use for a reed fence is to cover an existing fence to provide more privacy or a better aesthetic feel to your backyard or garden. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install and can be adapted to fit chain links or wooden fence structures that are already in place, which makes installation headache-free. There are many different widths of the actual reeds, from thick to thin, to allow for light to come through and add the desired effect.

Mounting Reed Fencing to Chain Link Fences

When you go to mount a reed fence to a chain link, you will use splices of wire to secure it into place. You will want to think about the force of weather and gravity on the fence over time, so be sure to secure it on the threaded joint at the top and bottom so that the weight of the fence is resting on these wire supports. Simply run a wire into the fencing and then twist it onto your existing chain link fence to hold it up. Once you have done this, you can cut off any excess wire, and it will simply be camouflaged from general view.

Mounting Reed Fencing to Wood Fences

In the situation where you are securing a reed fence to your wooden fence line, the best mounting method would be using horseshoe nails. At the sections where the fence is bound together, simply hook the nail through the binding and then nail it to your existing wood panels. Doing this and applying several nails every 3 to 4-feet will hold the fencing in place and prevent it from falling. The concern with wood fencing being covered by reed is that it will be highly susceptible to mold and mildew growth. You will likely need to keep it clean and dry regularly to prevent this from happening.

Other Mounting Tips to Note

When you install the reed fence, you will want to mount it so that the bottom is several inches from the ground to prevent the soil and ground water from rotting it. It is a good idea to not let vines and other climbing plants attach to it, as it is not as durable as your existing fence structure and can easily be pulled apart by green growth. You can water seal reed fences as well to assist in protecting it from the weather and any bugs that might want to make it a home. Reed fencing is very porous, and because of this, it will be highly susceptible to bugs and weather conditions from season to season and will add a new maintenance schedule to your workload.

You Can Use it as Wall Covering

The lowest maintenance application for this type of material would be for indoor use. It will provide nooks and crannies for spiders and other household insects to hide and breed. To use reed fencing as a form of wall cover in your home, you will want to be sure that it is being used in a dry place to prevent mold and mildew from growing on its surface.