Hand-packed brush is an extremely versatile fencing material, in that
being comprised of individually placed and cut stalks it can accommodate sloping sites, or
be stepped over walls or obstructions, can be married to shaped pillars or tree trunks, or
the top lines can be scalloped, arched or tapered and the height can be fine tuned to suit
the aesthetics of the site and adjoining structures. Damaged fences can also be
invisibly mended and repaired (by the top tradesmen).
Brush is used in many situations other than for front feature fencing, including pool
and pump enclosures, garden shade houses, gazebos and dividers, for garden ornaments
(emus and kangaroos etc) and for bird feeders. Brush is also used in loose stands in
aviaries, for fauna park enclosures, for equestrian show-jumps and racing barriers and for
erosion control fencing in beach dune areas. It is also extensively used for common
side and rear dividing fences.
The following images showcase the versatility of hand-packed brush!
The Versatility of Hand-Packed Brush
Brush panels can also be machine made in a similar process to that used for compressing
straw ceiling panels.
Although machine-packed panels are not quite as versatile as hand
packed fences (i.e. they are pre-formed/wired to a rectangular shape) the wiring is more
durable and the random brush orientation and high density of machine packing
eliminates
sagging. Machine-made panels cannot be repaired like hand-packed fencing, due to the wire sizes and proximity of wire
clips but they can
be easily and cheaply replaced, however.
On straight and level runs machine panels can be erected very quickly, and with modern
framing methods the finished fence can be cheaper and easier to erect than hand packing.
Some people still seek the
traditional hand packed fence
over
machine compressed panels but the
maintenance free nature of the pre-made panels is hard to beat.
For further details see Machine Made Panels section.
PLANNING A NEW FENCE
Whether the fence you are planning is for a rear divider or common fence or for a front
feature fence and whether you want height for privacy or a lower fence for security, will
to a large degree determine the design options available with regard to height, finish and
accessories required. Accessories may include masonry pillars and or walls, through
fence letterboxes, street numbers/number plates and gate posts and gates.
The slope of the land both along the direction of the fence and the crossfall will also
have a large bearing on the options available in terms of a stepped fence top or base.
Very rarely are sites dead level and where simple concrete plinths are used as a
base it is most economical (and most say, looks the best) for the concrete base to follow
the 'lay of the land' and for the brushwork to be stepped or scalloped down the slope.
Occasionally brick or rendered walls are used as a base and these need to be set
horizontally and stepped down the slope.
Where a slope across the fence line of more than about 30 degrees is involved, a more
substantial retaining wall structure may be required rather than the conventional
150mmx150mm concrete base. Under no cicumstances can the brush-work itself be used
to act as soil retainer, as rotting of the buried brush will occur and it is likely that
the fence will be dislodged off its base as well, causing sagging.
The style of building and personal taste will dictate the type of fence top line and
material which is best suited to the property ie scallops, arches and tapers may suit one
property, whereas straight brush roll tops or steel colorbond capping may suit another.
Whereas a few years ago steel and sometimes timber capping was in vogue, today most
front feature fencing has a roll top finish. Pillars are also very affordable and
popular at present.
It is generally well accepted that straight runs of steel capped brush fencing do not
look as interesting as roll top fencing with changes of direction and tapers/ scallops,
and with a number of brush post rolls. It is not surprising therefore that roll tops
are the preferred option for front fences. The cheaper steel capping finishes are
used more these days for side and rear common fencing and around unit developments.
Practical aspects are important with regard to common fencing and in some cases steel
colorbond or zincalume fencing may be a better alternative where maintenance is likely to
be a problem, or the neighbours rear yard usage is likely to affect the life of the fence.
The aspect from many swimming pools and rear facing family rooms, in many cases
dictates the use of a more aesthically pleasing material such as brush, however.
Access gates and openings need to be planned also, as it will cost a lot more to create
an opening at a later date, rather than make provision at the outset. For example
rear machinery access for the purposes of landscaping, tree removal or swimming pool
installation are often overlooked when installing a new fence.
Even if gates are going to be installed at a later date it is wise to fit the gate
posts, at least, at the same time as the fence, as this will avoid the necessity to
disturb the fence end posts and base when the gates are eventually installed.
© Copyright 2000; Adelaide Brush, Fairview Park, South Australia 5126; Tel +61 8
82513309, Fax. +61 8 82893155, Mobile 0418 841889.
