
(This picture was found on the very interesting website of
Finca Leola, a site about reforestation in Costa Rica.)
Living fences are a favorite subject of mine, so I was very happy to see them in Costa Rica. What are they? A stick is put in the ground and it takes root. It is the beginnings of a tree. Willow works very well for this in cooler climates. In fact
the fedge (a hedge-like fence) is gaining popularity in gardens in the UK and North America.
In CR live wood sticks are put in the ground and then barbed wire is attached to them. No need to worry about digging big post holes or eventually replacing the posts. You just have to prune them back yearly if you want to keep them short, but as you can see in the picture, pruning is not necessary.
These living fences contribute to the enviroment in so many ways: shade for animals, shelter for the birds and help with air pollution. They are also cheap to establish and it is difficult for people to drive their car through a living fence!
Why aren't more of us using living fences?