Good Question: Green Fence?

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Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: green (at) apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

Heidi sent us this question:
We need to replace a fence in our backyard -- I have been looking around for an environmentally friendly option and have not been too successful -- have any recommendations? We live in Minnesota so it needs to be able to withstand a cold winter, too.

Hi Heidi,
This is a great question, and we think there are probably quite a few options for you.

We've recently seen bamboo fencing available at Cali Bamboo. Their web site claims that the fencing is "tested and proven in all environments. Cali Bamboo Fences have successfully endured: floods, blizzards, category 3 hurricanes, heat waves, and even baseball bats."

We have no firsthand experience with bamboo fencing, so we're curious if any readers have tried this material.

As a sure-fire solution you could opt for salvaged wood. Try using the directory at the Building Materials Reuse Association to find salvaged materials nearby.

That's all we've got so far -- any other recommendations for Heidi?

Image: Via calibamboo.com

Comments (3)

your greenest option could be a living fence! Go with an evergreen hedge of some kind! Then maybe combine it with other fence elements! A hedge is great because it ensures privacy, decreases echoing, decreases cross winds, and even adds value to your home!

posted by shadowswimming on October 4th 2007 at 4:35am
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My name is Jeff Goldberg, Cali Bamboo's founder and CEO, and I would like to let Heidi in Minnesota know that a bamboo fence is an extremely green alternative to traditional fencing because of bamboo's fast regeneration. Technically a grass, it’s the fastest growing plant on Earth.

Customer feedback on our bamboo fencing in colder climates have been excellent. Here's a real testimonial from Laurie who lives in Lake City, Colorado : “Just wanted to tell you my fence turned out beautifully and has weathered our 30 - degree winter very well. A competitor said I should buy his/her fence that cost twice as much because your design would burst at our cold temperatures, but since I couldn't afford their fence, I went with yours. I haven't had any of the problems they anticipated. Thanks for a great product!”

If Heidi or any one else would like to speak directly with a Cali Bamboo customer, our staff would be happy to put you in touch with one. Just send your request to help@calibamboo.com .

posted by jeffg on October 4th 2007 at 3:17pm
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I've found another great resource for bamboo fencing, http://www.bambooandtikis.com/. I've bought a lot of stuff from them and had nothing but positive experiences. Hope this helps!

posted by brozema on October 2nd 2009 at 4:18pm
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