• Why Chain Link Fences are the Best Fencing for an Urban Garden

    All over the country, abandoned lots in city centers are being transformed into blooming oases of vegetables and flowers. These urban gardens are a sight for sore eyes, and great news for the environment and food deserts alike, but how do you protect them from harm? There’s no better fixture for this job than a chain link fence.

    Why is a chain link fence so perfect for protecting an urban farm? Chain link fences are virtually indestructible. They can stand up to the ravages of time and weather, and when the buildings around them have crumbled, there’s a good chance that the fences will still be there. They are great for keeping people out, especially if you install a lock, and they can take a beating and come out standing; run a car into a chain link fence and you’ll find that the car is the loser in the confrontation. Despite all this rugged durability, chain link fences are a remarkably affordable option.

    Chain link fences are a great barrier to animals, too. If you happen to keep chickens in your urban garden, chain link will keep them safe, while keeping the neighborhood dogs at bay. Modify the fence with some chicken wire at the bottom, and you’ll even keep out tunneling bunnies. Meanwhile, squirrels, butterflies, and birds are free to use the fence as they please, cavorting, climbing, or just resting a while.

    What’s more, chain link fences lend themselves to plan support. Trellis-like, they allow vines to grow up their wires, and plants like tomatoes to use them for support. There’s even an ancient Roman horticultural technique known as “espalier” being revived that allows fruit trees to grow along fences rather than up into the air. As you can imagine, this makes it incredibly easy to pick fruit.

    If you’re concerned about the aesthetic appeal of a chain link fence, don’t be. People have long used their creativity to find ways to make chain link more visually interesting, whether by painting it, weaving things through it, or hanging things on it. Today, there are new techniques in stenciling and the creation of mosaics that can make a humble chain link fence into a truly impactful piece of art. The fence around your urban garden is really only limited by your imagination and artistic inclination.

    Whether you’re fencing in an urban garden or putting up a fence around your yard, you can trust A-1 Fence to get the job done right. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.



  • Growing Roses on a Fence

    While most fences in San Jose are designed to provide privacy or protection, others are used for purely aesthetic purposes. Certain fence designs work excellently with your landscaping and can help your garden flourish. Watch this video for a few helpful tips on growing roses on a fence.

    If you are planning on growing roses against a fence, it is important to consider the room they will need to expand. Rosebushes like to expand, so they should not be planted too closely to each other. Many homeowners like the look of vining roses climbing up a fence; if you choose to take this route, be sure to weave them through the fence rather than allowing them to drag along the ground. Roses tend to be relatively durable and can stand against temperature and humidity fluctuations, but it is important that you fertilize them on a regular basis. Kelp and seaweed extract can help them bloom.