How to beautify and hide your chain link fence: PART ONE

By Darcy Logan

Chain-link fence is one of the most versatile and widely used fence systems today, but it is not always very attractive. While chain-link fences have become more colorful and stylish in the past few years, this will not help you if you are dealing with a pre-existing fence. If your chain-link fence has become an eyesore, or if you simply do not like the look of it, you need to find a way to beautify it, disguise it, or hide it all together.

There are several ways to do this. Which method is best for your fence will depend on what you want or need to do. For example, if you want to make the fence more attractive, but are not concerned with hiding it, painting it or using fence slats are both good choices. However, if you want to hide it, rolled wood fencing, growing vines around it, and some types of fence slats will be better choices.

Take the time to explore all the options listed before you make your choice. Often, several options can be used in conjunction with one another, which will give you the best results.

Paint

Painting a chain-link fence is probably the quickest and cheapest method of improving its appearance. Unless it is vinyl-coated, it should be a relatively easy item to paint. Vinyl-coated chain-link fence can be painted, but it should only be done by a qualified professional. You can paint your fence any color, including the traditional silver. However, painting it black, dark green, or brown should make it less noticeable and blend into the background.

Before you start painting, make sure you clean the fence and remove any rust with a wire brush. You should also mow the lawn, cut back any plants that border the fence, and use a tarp to cover the ground around the fence to catch any drips. For best results, use a roller with a 1" to 1-1/2" nap to cover the chain mesh and a brush to paint the fence posts and hardware. Although spraying it might give you a better finish, it can be difficult to control the overspray. If there is any rust on the fence, apply a rust-inhibiting metal primer first. Follow the primer with high-quality exterior enamel paint. Rustoleum makes special chain-link fence paint, but it only comes in silver.

Fence Slats

If you are looking for a way to beautify your chain-link fence and make it more private, fence slats make a good choice. Fence slats are long pieces of aluminum, polyethylene, or wood that are inserted into the fence vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. They are quick and easy to install. Even better, they are available in a wide variety of colors, which gives you the ability to create patterns and designs by alternating the colored slats in the fence. You can also create a monochrome look by painting your fence the same color as your slats.

Before shopping for fence slats, you will need to know the height of your fence along with the chain mesh's size and the gauge of the wire used to create it. Chain-link mesh is measured diagonally in both directions using the inside dimension. The two most common mesh sizes are 2" mesh, which is usually made with a 9 or 11 gauge wire, and 2-1/4" or 2-3/8", which is usually made with 11-1/2, 12, or 12-1/2 gauge wire.

Slats can either be top locking, bottom locking, or self-locking. Top-locking and bottom-locking slats have a channel that slips through the slots at the top or bottom of the fence to help secure them; self-locking slats do not. There are many different types of slats. Different types will have different degrees of wind load and privacy factors. Most have at least a 75 percent to 80 percent wind load and privacy factor, although some slats are available that have a higher wind load and privacy factors. A few even offer 100 percent privacy.

If you want to disguise your fence, consider purchasing fence slats that are made to simulate the look of a hedge. The slats are made of wire inserts that are covered with green "needles" made from flame-retardant PVC. These simulated hedges are amazingly durable and usually come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. The two most popular brands of these slats are Hedgelink and American Permahedge.

Rolled Wood Fencing

If you want to hide your chain-link fence all together, rolled wood fencing is your best option. Rolled wood fencing comes in a variety of materials including cane bamboo, willow, stick, reed, dwarf pine, fern, and twig. These fences are made up of pieces of wood that are held together with galvanized wire, which are sold rolled up. They come in a variety of heights up to 8 feet high and are easy to attach to any existing chain-link fence with special ties or wire. Once attached, they will generally offer total privacy and give a natural feel to your garden while hiding your chain-link fence. This option could be expensive and not as long lasting as some other options. The fence's longevity will depend on the type of material used.

PART TWO By Darcy Logan

In Part 1, we discussed ways to hide or beautify your unsightly chain-link fence using paint, fence slats, and rolled wood fencing.  If you're looking for a greener solution to your fence problem, here are some annual and perennial vines suited to the task of covering up a chain-link fence.

Annual Vines

Growing annual vines over a chain-link fence can be a quick way to cover a chain-link fence temporarily, but they will only cover the fence for part of the year and may need to be replanted each year. However, it is the perfect solution if you anticipate replacing the fence soon or are waiting for other greenery to grow up around it. Although there are dozens of different types of annual vines available, here are a few fast-growing varieties that are fairly easy to grow.

The black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata), also known as thunbergia or the orange clockvine, is a warm-season annual in USDA zones 2-9 but a perennial in USDA zones 10-11. It can grow in full sun or partial shade conditions and will need regular watering. Black-eyed Susan vines produce a bright yellow, orange, or white flower with a black center throughout the summer. It will grow about 8 feet long and is easy to grow from seed.

The cardinal climber (Ipomoea multifida) can grow 10 feet or more and will produce a two-inch red flower with a white center in the summer. It needs full sun, but will tolerate a variety of soil conditions. Its seeds should be nicked and soaked overnight before they are planted. Plant them in the spring after the last frost has passed.

The cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) is a dense vine that will grow about 15 to 25 feet long. When it begins to bloom in the early summer, it produces a unique flower that resembles a tiny cup sitting on green saucer-like base. Flowers come in different shades of green and purple. The cup-and-saucer vine prefers a well-draining soil in full sun, but will tolerate light shade. However, this will reduce the number of blooms it produces. Seeds should be planted about eighteen to twenty-four inches apart once the threat of frost has passed. It is good for USDA zones 9-11.

The cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) grows about 10 feet long and produces white, pink, or red blooms in the summer that are very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. It prefers full sun. Seeds are hard and need to be nicked and soaked overnight before planting in the spring. Plant seeds about one-half inch deep and one inch apart. In USDA zones 6-10, the cypress vine should naturalize by self-seeding each year and may spread to other areas.

The hyacinth bean vine (Lablab purpureus) can grow 6 to 20 feet tall. It has 6-inch large leaves that are dark green with reddish-purple veins and stems. When it blooms in the summer, it produces sweet-smelling lavender blooms that develop into edible purple pods. Plant the seeds in the spring six to eight weeks after the last frost. Hyacinth bean vines require full sun. Seeds should be placed about 6 inches apart about 1/2 inch deep. Soak the seeds in warm water for twenty-four to forty-eight hours before planting. It is good for USDA zones 10-11.

Morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea) are so fast growing that people often think they are perennials. They are killed off with any frost, but they generally reseed themselves the next year. These vines are fast growing and can reach heights of 10 feet or more within two months. Morning glories should be planted in full sun after all danger of frost is past. Plant seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, about eight inches apart. For best results, slightly nick the seeds with a file or soak them overnight before planting. They produce tubular shaped flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white from summer to fall.

Perennial Vines

Compared to annual vines, perennial vines are a better option when looking for a long-term solution. Although they will not provide much cover in the winter, this is not always a problem in colder climates when people are not outside as much. Still, you may want to paint the fence before planting the vines.

Be careful when planting woody vines like wisteria, trumpet creeper, and climbing hydrangea. If you plant them too close together, they can pull apart the wire and destroy the fence. This can be avoided by placing sections of sturdy wooden or metal lattice in front of the chain-link fence if you decide to plant one of those varieties. While perennial vines generally take longer to mature than annual vines, there are a few varieties that are fast growing that are perfect for covering chain-link fences.

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is also known as cottage ivy and Japanese ivy. A deciduous vine that can reach heights exceeding 30 feet, Boston ivy is fast growing and tolerant of almost all conditions in USDA zones 4-8. Its leaves are dark green and will turn bright red in the fall.

Clematis (Clematis Sp.) grows so well it is often called the "queen of climbers." They produce large, showy flowers that bloom for long periods in the summer. It is capable of growing about 8 feet long in USDA zones 4-9, depending on the variety. Plant it in well-worked, porous soil in a sunny or partly shady area and water regularly.

The Dutchman's pipe (Arisolochia durior) is a fast-growing twining plant that does well in a full sun, partial shade, or even full shade. It has large, heart-shaped leaves with purple flowers. They are hardy perennials in USDA zones 8-10 and will bloom from early spring until fall.

English ivy (Hedera helix) has a classic fan-shaped leaf that grows well in partial sun or shade. It has a moderate growth rate that will grow about 9 feet tall. They grow best in USDA zones 3-9. English ivy is a semi-evergreen that should be planted about eighteen inches apart. Two cultivars of the English ivy that are particularly hardy are "Thorndale" and "Bulgaria."

The five leaf akebia (Akebia quinata), or chocolate vine, is a fast-growing vine that will typically grow the height of its support. It has oval leaves that start out purple before turning blue-green. It produces a purple fruit that ripens in the early fall that will attract wildlife. It is a deciduous plant in cooler climates, but an evergreen in warmer ones. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Passionflowers (Passiflora incarnata), or passion vines, produce intricate purple and white flowers that turn into an aromatic fruit. They are easily grown in USDA zones 5-9, but can be planted in colder areas if they are protected in the winter. Passionflowers can grow up to 30 feet in a single season, but average about 10 to 15 feet. They need partial to full sun and like lots of water.

Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), or trumpet vine, produces an orange trumpet-shaped flower in the summer that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It prefers a full sun exposure and can do well in hot, dry spots. Trumpet creepers is very easy to grow and can become invasive. A fast-growing vine, it that can reach heights between 10 to 50 feet long in USDA zones 4-10.

The Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a vigorous climbing perennial vine that can grow up to 50 feet long. Leaves emerge bronze-green, turn dark green by summer, and then become a brilliant deep red by the fall. It will grow well in virtually any condition from full sun to full shade. In the fall, it produces a berry that is a favorite of many birds and animals.