Installing Fences and Walls Ms. Gripshover Landscaping Unit 19

Our Objectives  Explain the reasons for installing a fence or wall  Describe the different parts of a fence  Discuss how to properly install a fence  Describe the different materials used to build a retaining wall  Explain how to install a retaining wall

Our Objectives  Batter  Bay  Enclosure  Fence  Gate  Infill  Post  Picket  Screen  Wall  Weep holes

Why should a fence or wall be installed?  Fences are used for safety and privacy or: Property boundaries Enhance an outdoor room Affect the microclimate of a location by reducing wind or sun intensity

Why should a fence or wall be installed? (cont.)  Enclosure- any landscape feature used to close/ separate one part of the landscape from another  Reasons for a fence: Protect property Provide security for pets/ children Ensure privacy Create microclimate Screen unappealing views Mark property lines

Why should a fence or wall be installed? (cont.)  Screen- a fence/ planting used to provide privacy, block a view, or create a microclimate Typically close to patio, provide maximum protection, or increased privacy

Fencing Material  Should match the material of the building  Price makes a difference Wood- flexible, inexpensive, secure and private. Can also be used for design and property lines Plastic- look of wood, not as much upkeep, more expensive initially but no maintenance Metal- good security, protection, allows for views, chain link or wrought iron, though less appealing Masonry- concrete block, poured concrete, brick, adobe, extremely solid creating a microclimate and sound barriers in addition to security and privacy

What would you use?  Think hypothetically…  Young couple, two children, need privacy and security, busy street, limited budget…  Elderly couple, beautiful garden to view, dog needs to be kept in yard…

How can the different parts of a fence be properly identified?  Certain characteristics for each material  Wooden- post, rails, infill Post- a strong upright which supports fence Bay- the distance between two posts Infill- material fastened to the posts to provide security or privacy. Usually has two rails that run from post to post to provide reinforcement for the infill  Gate- movable barrier in a fence that allows for passing through. Usually attached by hinges and are fastened. Usually the same material as fence

How is fence installed?  Several steps involved 1. Solid footing for the posts Determine property lines Holes are dug for posts, starting in a corner  Holes should be 1/3 deep the height of the post above ground + 6”, colder climate= deeper depth and post hole deeper than frost line  Holes should only be 6” wider the post  6” of gravel in hole to act as a base and reduce wood rot  If using concrete, post holes should be 50% bigger than post and let set for several days  Generally post should be 8’ centers

How is fence installed? (cont.) 2. Rails, a.k.a stringers, attached to post Infill is attached to rails Sometimes, metal hanger maybe used or fence bolted onto posts directly Some fences use mortise and tenon technique to attach runners or infill A picket fence uses pickets, pointed wooden stakes

What materials are the best choice for retaining walls?  Can use treated wood, railroad ties, segmental wall unit, laid stone, or poured concrete Choice depends upon desired appearance, cost, and height Wood, ties, timbers are cost effect  Usually not higher than 4’ wall units are mortarless block that are pinned, lipped, and anchored units.  Very stable, greater heights, curve and make many shapes, slightly expensive

What materials are the best choice for retaining walls? (cont.)  Dry laid stone is highly attractive, expensive, heavy, and preparation is necessary. No mortar, good for height.  Poured concrete- strong and durable, not very attractive, must include weep holes to let water drain.

How is retaining wall properly installed?  Reliant upon establishing a proper base- KEY  Next, the 1 st course must be laid properly

Wood Retaining Walls  When using wood, the first course is usually buried to increase stability Bury 1” for every 1’ of above ground height with a minimum of the first course buried 3’ reinforcing bars driven into timbers Next row set back 1”  This creates batter- backward leaning/ stepping of wall Then, each timber placed over lapping much like brick Backfill with gravel or soil  Or anchoring, upright timbers placed in front of the wall and deadmen horizontal anchors connected to the fact of the wall and run back into hillside

Mortarless Retaining Walls  Again, must have a well placed starter course If using a block with a lip, the 1 st course lip should be chipped off  To speed leveling, 1-3” layer of pea gravel/ sand should be spread over a compacted gravel base Check each block of the 1 st course frequently Use a string line to keep straight  Add drainage tile behind 1 st course if necessary  After 1 st course, backfill with gravel/ sand  Clean debris off before installing next course  Use a pattern like brick work when laying blocks  Continue laying and backfilling