If you’re seeking an affordable and charming fence solution that adds a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space, wattle fencing is definitely worth considering. One of the best things about wattle fencing is its simplicity – with minimal time and financial investment required, even those on a budget can enjoy the benefits of this rustic yet effective barrier.
Whether you’re looking to add some visual interest to your yard while keeping pesky critters out of your prized veggies or define a specific garden area, wattle fencing is surprisingly versatile. With its unique blend of natural materials and organic texture, it’s easy to see why this humble fence option has become a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and environmentally conscious homeowners alike.
So, how do you build one? Well, the process couldn’t be simpler.
What is “Wattle?”
Is Wattle Fence Effective?
While the answer to whether wattle fences are suitable depends on their intended use, there are various factors to consider. In mild climates, they can function as raised beds, but harsh conditions like those found in rural Quebec would render them ineffective and require annual replacement. In contrast, thicker, more resilient materials make wattle fencing an excellent solution for keeping larger herbivores like deer at bay.
The ideal setup would involve a double-walled fence with brambles and thorn branches in between, creating a barrier at least a foot deep and approximately six feet tall that can effectively deter most large herbivores from consuming your spinach. Wattle fences are generally well-suited for containing smaller animals and children, as they provide an aesthetically pleasing and effective barrier. Moreover, when incorporated into garden design, wattle fences can serve as stunning decorative pieces.
How to Build a Wattle Fence Step by Step
To create unique wattle fence designs, simply follow these steps. However, it’s essential to note that springtime or early summer is the ideal time frame for construction, due to the availability of materials. During this period, you can readily source thin saplings and flexible branches, which are crucial components of a wattle fence. As late summer or autumn arrives, the situation changes. The saplings will have matured into woody, thick stems, making them less suitable for building purposes.
Therefore, it’s vital to plan your project accordingly.
What You’ll Need:
To undertake this endeavour, you’ll require a diverse range of materials and tools. For structural support and weaving purposes, have branches and young saplings at the ready. Thicker branches will be needed for post foundation establishment. A saw is essential for harvesting the necessary branches and trees, while an axe or hatchet serves to sharpen the ends of your posts. Driving the posts into place demands a sturdy mallet or sledgehammer.
To safeguard your eyes, consider donning eye protection. Gloves are also optional but recommended for added grip and protection. If you’re aiming to add some finishing touches, sidewalk chalk paint, string, and a measuring tape will come in handy.
Collect Your Materials
To construct your living fence, you’ll need two distinct types of wood: sturdy hardwood posts and flexible weaver branches. Start by sourcing thick, hardwood branches for the supportive posts. Oak, walnut, chestnut, maple, or bamboo are excellent options. Opt for branches that measure at least four inches in thickness. The desired height of your fence will dictate the length of your posts. Typically, you’ll want to cut them to be almost twice as tall as the fence itself.
For instance, if you’re building 2-foot-high raised garden bed walls, aim for 4-foot-long branches. You’ll bury half the post depth in soil to ensure it has sufficient strength to withstand tension from the weavers. The weaver branches should be around six feet long and made of supple, weather-resistant materials like young hazel branches.
Sharpen Your Post Ends
When discussing wattle construction, these vertical elements are also referred to as “uprights,” “stakes,” or “staves.” If you’re seeking additional resources on how to build with wattle, be aware that they might be labelled by one of these names. To prepare your wattle structure for assembly, it’s crucial to ensure your post ends are suitably modified. Begin by sharpening your axe and using it to create pointed spikes at the end of each post.
You can opt for a 45-degree angle or sharpen them all the way around, similar to pencils. This process is vital, as it allows the stakes to securely drive into the ground when you strike them, rather than leaving you feeling frustrated by their refusal to cooperate.
Cut Your Wattle Fence Weavers
When it comes to creating woven wands or withies, flexible branches or saplings are ideal choices. Hazel and alder trees are particularly well-suited for weavers due to their remarkable flexibility and rapid growth rate. By coppicing these trees, we ensure a steady supply of usable material in the springtime. These versatile weavers can be used to craft a variety of items, including baskets, fish traps, snowshoes, trellises for beans and peas, and many other projects.
When harvesting your withies, aim to cut them as long as possible, ideally at least six feet in length, to allow for efficient weaving. You’ll also need a substantial quantity, so be prepared to harvest at least twice the amount you initially estimate. For instance, to create a fence that’s approximately two feet high and 10 feet long, you’ll require around 40 weavers – and that’s just the beginning.
Drive the Posts Into the Ground
Get set to unleash your creative frustration! Start by mapping out the layout of your fence, using sticks and string to visualize its shape. Don’t worry about straight lines – since you’re working with flexible branches and saplings, feel free to let your design weave and undulate like the sea. Before breaking out the tools, grab some chalk spray paint and a measuring tape (or use your body as a makeshift ruler). Spray markers every foot or so along the ground to ensure consistent post spacing.
If you’re without a measuring tape, use a personal reference point – such as the length from the tip of your middle finger to your inner elbow or the span of one foot in front of the other. Once you’ve marked out the entire plan, it’s time to drive those posts into the ground! Use a mallet or hammer to secure them at least two feet deep, ensuring they can withstand the tension of the weavers as they shape and form your fence.
Get Weaving
Start by weaving a branch along the ground, weaving it in and out of the posts you’ve created. As you reach the end, slightly overlap the next branch before continuing. Repeat this process along the entire length of the fence, securing corners as you go. When approaching a corner, weave around the end post, wrap it around the next one in line, and double it back for added security. This will create a sturdy foundation.
In curved or organically shaped fences, weave continuously from start to finish, allowing the branches to follow the natural shape of the fence. As you continue weaving, ensure the branches are tightly packed together, creating a solid barrier. A looser weave is suitable for decorative fences, but for functional ones, a tighter weave is essential. You don’t need to cover every inch of the posts; instead, focus on creating tight weaves at the bottom, top, and middle sections for a balanced look.
Once finished, you can leave the fence as-is or add a finishing touch, such as fairy lights, to create a unique ambiance.
Keep Building!
With a solid grasp of wattle fence construction basics under your belt, you’re free to adapt the technique for various projects. For instance, incorporate wattle and daub methods into the design of animal enclosures or wooden storage facilities. Alternatively, create low fences to demarcate separate garden areas. Should inspiration strike, explore Pinterest for innovative ideas or delve into historical accounts of how people employed wattle building in Medieval and Tudor eras.
The potential uses are virtually boundless, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and let your creativity shine!