In ancient times, wicker fences adorned almost every site, but now, during the time of advanced technologies, weaves have become not so popular. However, now there are owners who decide to build on their site, which is unusual for our time, an object of landscape design.
A hedge of this type can be built with your own hands. The main thing is to have materials with you: the vine and stakes, as well as the tools necessary for work: a hammer, a knife (or a second -hand) and wire.
The advantages and disadvantages of the wattle
The braid, like other types of fences, has both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s start with the advantages:
Environmental purity of materials. Everyone knows that a tree is one of the most environmentally friendly materials, therefore, it does not pose to anyone. In order to make this type of fence, only rods will be needed, and harmful substances are not needed.
Originality and beauty. Undoubtedly, wood is excellent material for both decoration and construction. This type of fence is good because it can have different width and height, which can be used to embody any design solutions.
Easy performance. The wicker is simple with its design, which means that it can be erected with your own hand.
Premitted access. If you try, then a wicker hedge can be built almost without investment. After all, the material can be assembled in the forest, or on your own site.
Flaws:
The wicker will not be able to protect your site from attackers. That is why it is often used as a decorative building than as a fundamental fence.
Fragility. If you compare with other types of fences and hedges, then the wattle fence will last less long.
The complexity of replacing structural elements. With the destruction of at least one section of the fence, it may require a complete replacement of it, or the entire hedge in general.
Which is better to use to create a hedge?
Such types of shrubs, like a hazel and willow. But often use aspen. The main thing is that the rods are even and flexible.
The best time for cutting willow vine is spring or late summer. If you cut thick rods in the middle of summer, then they can be put into business as a frame for a hedge.
To create a fence, most of all, use young and even shoots about 150 cm long. The thickness depends directly on the size of the wattle. If this is a small fence, then you should choose a diameter of 10 — 20 cm. If you build a large fence, then rods with a diameter of 20 — 30 cm will be required.
Pegs can be made of about 5 cm with a diameter of pine branches with a diameter.
Stages of work
First, you need to prepare the vine. To do this, the rods need to be dried, tied in bundles and leave to dry. In order for the bark to go well, you can leave them to lie for about one season. Then, for cleaning, you need to place rods with thick ends in the water and leave for 7-10 days. If this procedure is poorly removed, then you should soak the vine in the water for another week. If there is no time for so much time, then you can steam it. After that, the rods will be easily cleaned and become even more flexible. Also a wicker can be made from a fresh vine.
Secondly, you should choose the option of weaving a fence. If this is a horizontal method, then the hedge will resemble a simple fence. The wicker with the vertical weaving method looks much original.
Thirdly, you need to prepare supports. The sharp ends of the stakes should be treated with an antiseptic, otherwise they will rot. Also, for support, some use metal pillars, as they are more durable. Next, you should prepare markings with an interval of 50 — 60 cm. and drive stakes into the ground. If the vertical weaving method is selected, then it is necessary to adjust to the hedge of at least three cross -polls, which will play the role of the base. If this is not done, then the rods will not hold. If the horizontal method is selected, then the crosses are not needed.
Now you can proceed to the fourth stage — to weaving. First you need to insert the thick end of the vine into the ground and lean the rows of the fence. Ends should be fixed using wire. The thick end of the rod needs to go for the second pegs, while lewing the bending part of the first stake. Therefore, it turns out «eight». We also act with the rest of the stakes so that the next twig extends the previous. Weaving density can be adjusted using a hammer. It is better to fix the sticking ends from the secret side of the hedge, and they should be cut with a sharp knife. At the end of the row, the ends can be hidden along the peg. The main thing is to tighten them more so that the weaving does not fall apart. Sticking out ends must be trimmed.
Now you can proceed to the final fifth stage — coating of a wattle fence or paint, or any other preferred tool.
On this work on the construction of a wicker hedge is completed. You can also make your changes or jewelry into the wicker. It all depends only on the imagination.