This rustic fence is made of straight branches set vertically.
Fences are often necessary to keep children, dogs and errant toys out of flower and vegetable gardens. There are many choices in fencing available to homeowners, including cyclone, picket and decorative wrought iron. However, a fun and frugal option is building your own fence from tree branches and tree stakes. By using readily available materials from your own and your neighbors' trimmings, you can provide a green solution for your fencing needs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the length and width of the flower bed.
2. Trim the bottom ends of the tree stakes to a point with the hatchet.
3. Set a 4-foot-long tree stake into each corner of the flower bed. Place a piece of scrap 2-by-4 on top of the stake and pound it 12 inches into the ground with a hammer. Set two 8-foot posts flanking the entrance to the garden.
4. Lay the long branches in pairs along the edges of the flower bed. Measure and set more tree stakes between the corners, adjusting the spacing to fit the length of the long branches.
5. Starting in a corner, predrill screw holes for the first long branch, 3 inches from the top and bottom of the tree stakes. Screw through the tree stake and into the end of the long branch. Stagger the next set of long branches, setting them 5 inches from the top and bottom of the next set of tree stakes, then attach the third set of long branches at 3 inches. Continue in this manner around the flower bed until all the horizontal branches are in place.
6. Arrange the short branches around the outer perimeter of your rustic fence. While a helper holds the first short branch vertically against the long branches, drill and screw it to the long branches. Attach the next short branch 1 1/2 to 2 inches from the first. Continue attaching the short branches all the way around the flower garden fence.
7. Leave the entrance open. Measure and cut one tree stake to extend across the top of the entrance. While your helper holds it on top of the two tall stakes, drill through the vertical stakes and into the horizontal top stake at an angle. Screw together, using at least two screws on each side.
Tags: long branches, tree stakes, inches from, tree stake, around flower
