Originally posted 02.10.08
Has anyone heard of a compost fence? I don’t remember where I read it, or maybe I saw it on a home improvement television show, but I do know that I want one. It is a fence that holds yard refuse and grass clippings which eventually composts to exit the bottom of the fence. We do not currently have a fence, but that is one of the promised hard-scaped items for this spring/summer.
My compost fence will be made from hog panels and 4 x 4 fence posts. That will give us an approximate 4 inches in width and reach a height of approximately 8 feet. On our side of the fence, the panel will be about 6 inches above the ground, whereas the opposite side will go completely to the ground. I have a climbing ground cover on the alley side of where this fence is to be located, so it will be allowed to climb the back side as a means to disguise the hog panels from the neighbors’ views. I figure we will start with one set of panels, until the unit is full and then add the second as there becomes a need for more room. The only difficulty with this design is the dilemma of how we will be able to replenish the clippings as the height of the fence raises. I am certain that DH will come up with a solution to the problem, or is that a problem to the solution?
September 6th, 2008 - 6:39 am
Since this idea first hit the home shows, the recommended dimensions on the recommended depth of the fence has been increased to 6 inches. A 4×6 or 6×6 post can be used. BSA troop 348 in Lake Forest Illinois built one, and has posted plans at the following URL: http://www.cityoflfp.com/city/infoguides/info_compostfence.html.
September 6th, 2008 - 7:58 am
Mark, Thanks so much for posting the link. Currently, we are in the process of building a fence to enclose our back and side yards and had almost given up on the idea of building the compost fence. After seeing these photos, I believe we will have to give further consideration to the remaining (most expensive) portion of the fence. We already have hog panels that can be recycled…so that is even better! Again, thank you VERY much for commenting and providing the link.