Warning over common garden decoration that's costing you thousands & causing ‘serious structural damage' this summer
OF-FENCE Warning over common garden decoration that's costing you thousands & causing 'serious structural damage' this summer
SUMMER may feel like the perfect time to decorate your garden with twinkling fairylights and colourful hanging baskets - but they can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage.
A fencing expert has shared how hanging decorative items can cause serious structural damage over time - but there are some ways to prevent it.
2
Decorating your garden fence can look pretty but cause damage
Credit: Getty
Dale Smith, Founder of Fence Guru, an Australian fencing supplier, has witnessed firsthand the costly consequences of well-intentioned decorating choices.
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What appears to be harmless decoration could actually be compromising the structural integrity of your fence, leading to expensive repairs that homeowners never see coming.
He said: 'People love to personalise their outdoor spaces, and I completely understand that.
'However, what they don't realise is that most residential fences simply aren't designed to handle the additional weight and stress that comes with hanging decorations.'
EXPENSIVE DAMAGE
The vertical posts and horizontal rails work together to withstand wind loads and their own weight, but adding decorations changes this delicate balance.
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He added: 'When you hang string lights, planters, or decorative mirrors on your fence, you're introducing weight the structure was never meant to handle.
'Even lightweight items create stress points that get worse over time.'
Popular decorative choices like hanging baskets filled with soil and plants, which can weigh several kilograms when watered, make the problem particularly acute.
Hanging planters present multiple problems beyond just weight.
Advertisement
The constant moisture from watering can seep into fence boards, particularly around fixing points where holes have been drilled.
Amazon is selling a 'high bamboo' privacy screen for just 24.80 – it's perfect to create a 'relaxing' backyard space
This moisture creates perfect conditions for rot and mould, especially in timber fences.
String lights might seem harmless, but their weight combined with wind resistance creates a constant pulling force along the fence line.
During storms or high winds, this tension multiplies dramatically, potentially ripping fixings from posts or snapping boards entirely.
Thankfully, there are four ways to protect your fences.
Advertisement
2
The constant moisture from watering can seep into fence boards, causing damage
Credit: Getty
HOW TO PREVENT DAMAGE
Rather than abandoning your decorating dreams entirely, Dale suggests these safer approaches that protect your fence:
1. Use freestanding plant supports
Install separate posts or tripods near your fence for hanging baskets and planters.
This gives you the visual impact without putting undue stress on your fence.
2. Install dedicated wall brackets
If you have a brick or rendered wall nearby, mount heavy decorations there instead.
Advertisement
Masonry can handle weights that would damage timber fencing.
3. Build a simple pergola
A basic pergola structure can support string lights and hanging decorations while adding value to your property.
4. Choose fence-friendly lighting
Solar stake lights or LED strips that attach with removable clips distribute weight evenly and avoid creating stress points.
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Plus, the five warning signs your fence is under stress OF-FENCE Warning over common garden decoration that's costing you thousands & causing 'serious structural damage' this summer SUMMER may feel like the perfect time to decorate your garden with twinkling fairylights and colourful hanging baskets - but they can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. A fencing expert has shared how hanging decorative items can cause serious structural damage over time - but there are some ways to prevent it. 2 Decorating your garden fence can look pretty but cause damage Credit: Getty Dale Smith, Founder of Fence Guru, an Australian fencing supplier, has witnessed firsthand the costly consequences of well-intentioned decorating choices. Advertisement What appears to be harmless decoration could actually be compromising the structural integrity of your fence, leading to expensive repairs that homeowners never see coming. He said: 'People love to personalise their outdoor spaces, and I completely understand that. 'However, what they don't realise is that most residential fences simply aren't designed to handle the additional weight and stress that comes with hanging decorations.' EXPENSIVE DAMAGE The vertical posts and horizontal rails work together to withstand wind loads and their own weight, but adding decorations changes this delicate balance. Advertisement He added: 'When you hang string lights, planters, or decorative mirrors on your fence, you're introducing weight the structure was never meant to handle. 'Even lightweight items create stress points that get worse over time.' Popular decorative choices like hanging baskets filled with soil and plants, which can weigh several kilograms when watered, make the problem particularly acute. Hanging planters present multiple problems beyond just weight. Advertisement The constant moisture from watering can seep into fence boards, particularly around fixing points where holes have been drilled. Amazon is selling a 'high bamboo' privacy screen for just 24.80 – it's perfect to create a 'relaxing' backyard space This moisture creates perfect conditions for rot and mould, especially in timber fences. String lights might seem harmless, but their weight combined with wind resistance creates a constant pulling force along the fence line. During storms or high winds, this tension multiplies dramatically, potentially ripping fixings from posts or snapping boards entirely. Thankfully, there are four ways to protect your fences. Advertisement 2 The constant moisture from watering can seep into fence boards, causing damage Credit: Getty HOW TO PREVENT DAMAGE Rather than abandoning your decorating dreams entirely, Dale suggests these safer approaches that protect your fence: 1. Use freestanding plant supports Install separate posts or tripods near your fence for hanging baskets and planters. This gives you the visual impact without putting undue stress on your fence. 2. Install dedicated wall brackets If you have a brick or rendered wall nearby, mount heavy decorations there instead. Advertisement Masonry can handle weights that would damage timber fencing. 3. Build a simple pergola A basic pergola structure can support string lights and hanging decorations while adding value to your property. 4. Choose fence-friendly lighting Solar stake lights or LED strips that attach with removable clips distribute weight evenly and avoid creating stress points.
