Fence Me In

All about fences.

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Buck and Rail Fence

As we continue riding the fence-line in our discussion of different styles of fences, we travel back to those fences we have all seen in vintage postcards of the American West, the Buck and Rail Fence.

The picturesque scene of a rustic Buck and Rail fence climbing up and over mountains, stretching through meadows and dipping down into creeks, has captured the romantic eye of landscape painters and photographers throughout history. These aesthetically pleasing fences seem to tell a story all their own. One of wide open spaces, of early settlers and of taming the wild west. The Buck and Rail Fence, also known as a Jackleg Fence, originated in the Rocky Mountains, where rough terrain and rocky ground made digging postholes not only time consuming and labor intensive, but in many cases, downright impossible. Pioneers built buck and rail fences as a quick solution to keep animals in, or out, of newly acquired property. Also quite beneficial, was the surrounding abundant timber, which provided all the raw materials needed. 

Although they are becoming harder to find, due to National Parks tearing down the historic fences and replacing them with treated posts and wire fences in efforts to maintain a more “wildlife-friendly” 21st-century fence, Buck and Rail fences have not disappeared entirely. The weathered remnants of such fences can still be found along the back roads and scenic routes of American Byways. A Buck and Rail fence however, is not just a thing of the past, it still has qualities that make it a great choice for modern day fences as well.

First of all, let's look at a few of the benefits:

No postholes needed — enough said

It can be built in sections

It is movable, which can be extremely handy

It creates a beautiful and warm rustic accent that blends in with the natural landscape

It utilizes scrap poles left behind from timber harvesting as well as                                   beetle-kill and standing dead timber

Now, for a few of the challenges: 

It can be blown over by a good wind storm -- unless the bottom rail is    heavy and stout.

Large animals such as elk or buffalo can knock the rails loose.

It will not keep small animals in (or out) unless it is adapted with some   type of woven-wire fence.

It requires more material that post fences due to the X braces.

It can be hard for wildlife to maneuver, especially during winter months

Although this type of fence may not be the best option for long stretches of fence line that traverse across game migration paths as in days gone by, a Buck and Rail fence is still a great option for shorter stretches of fence line, including steep hills and other hard to get to places,as well as a decorative accent, extending out from gates to create a stunning entry.

For every type of fence problem, there is a solution and in some cases, a Buck and Rail fence is the answer; and a great looking one at that.

www.handhfenceco.com or www.facebook.com/handhfenceco

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Lay-down Fence

I know, the title sounds like a contradiction. Why would anyone build a fence just to lay it down? Well, a lay-down fence serves several purposes including minimizing damage from snow pack and wildlife. Certain areas along a fence line can be prone to drifting snow in the winter and this type of fence modification is a great alternative, one which will help prolong the life of the fence. In the fall, after the cattle have shipped and the horses have been moved closer to the barn, simply lay down the fence in the troublesome section and then raise it back up in the spring. 

Wildlife can also be a key factor in the life expectancy of a fence. The seasonal movement and migration of wildlife can destroy a fence in moments as they go about their natural habits of survival. For instance, a small herd of deer or a large herd of elk are not going to go around a fence and look for the gate. They will go over, under or through any fence that stands in the way. For most members of the herd this is not a problem, but for some, it will mean injuries due to being entangled in the fence. For others. it can mean separation from the herd (especially for young fawns and calves). Unfortunately, both scenarios will many times result in death. This is becoming more of a problem as wildlife habitat shrinks. A lay-down fence can be both a wildlife and fence friendly solution. By creating an opening that is in line with the seasonal movement patterns of the herd it reduces the damage for both. Man-made wildlife crossings or openings are becoming more and more common as wildlife management organizations work to keep animals off of busy highways and other populated areas.

A lay-down fence is a great option that can considerably reduce fence maintenance costs and help preserve wildlife populations, which is one of the great reasons we live in Colorado! Need some help in designing your fence modification? Drop us a line, we would love to help you out.

www.handhfenceco.com or www.facebook.com/handhfenceco

References: 

Paige, C. 2008. A Landowner’s Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fences. Landowner/Wildlife Resource Program, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Helena, MT. 

Winter fence photo Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

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Fire and Rain

A smoke filled sky obscured the sun, making it impossible to tell what time of day it was. Our fence crew continued to set fence posts and stretch wire until the smoke was too thick to breathe. The stakes were high. Colorado Division of Wildlife helicopters flew overhead, monitoring herds of wild elk as the fire pushed them towards a ranch with herds of domestic elk. The meeting of the two herds would mean devastation to both and endanger the entire population of wild elk for generations to come. The powerful forces of nature have a way of reminding us just how small and insignificant our problems are in comparison to the big picture. Something we have spent hours, months, or years to build can be destroyed overnight. This summer, in the Colorado High Country, we have witnessed a wildfire blaze through 19,000 acres, fueled with a vast supply of dead timber left behind from the infestation of pine beetles years earlier. A fire is Mother Nature’s way of cleaning house and at this time next year, there will be beauty poking through the ashes, as new seedlings reach up toward the light. This form of “spring cleaning” brings a whole new set of priorities and we might as well wad up that old “to-do” list and get a clean sheet of paper. Everything has changed. Water run-off patterns from the rain and spring snow melt, unhindered by the undergrowth of plants and shrubs, will make new paths, washing out ditches and carrying debris through fence lines. To say our work is “cut out for us” is an understatement, but one day at a time, one fence post at a time, we build once again, grateful for the work and awed at the amazing world we live in that is so much bigger than us.

www.handhfenceco.com

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Both Sides of The Fence

Most of us have been building fences since we were kids in an attempt to make a boundary. Legos, building blocks, popsicle sticks, rocks and any other stackable items have all been used at one time or another to claim a “space” and to protect what we deem valuable. We were born with the innate sense of knowing that there are things we want to protect and keep “in” and there are dangers or threats we want to keep “out” and fences have provided a means to do just that.

Therefore, a great place to start when planning to build a fence is to make a list of what will be on both sides of the fence. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Inside the fence: Tomatoes, corn, flowers, dogs, horses, chickens, goats or other animals and pets, children, tools, equipment and anything else you want to keep safe. Outside the fence: Deer, coyotes, dogs, children, horses, cows, goats, thieves or any other possible threats you want to keep out.

Yes, some things are on both sides of the fence. Unfortunately, Mr. Smith, the neighbor, won’t be nearly as excited about the baby goats as your children might be. Once again, the old adage proves true, good fences make better neighbors.

Taking the time to consider what will be on both sides of the fence before it is built will save a lot of time and “fixing” later and is an important step in choosing the right type of fence.  www.handhfenceco.com  Facebook.com/handhfenceco

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Welcome!

Welcome to H & H Fence Company’s blog Fence Me In, and yes it’s all about fences. There are so many variables to consider when building a fence and hopefully we can take some of the guesswork out it by exploring the attributes of different types of fences and sharing a few fun stories in the process. Oh, and one more thing, we will be taking the scenic route, so enjoy the view! www.handhfenceco.com