Living in Plano, Texas means lighting storms, hail damage, blizzards, and sudden floods. Sometimes all of these can happen at the same time. To stay prepared for such situations, it’s important that you start with the right wood fence for severe weather. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about having wood fences in Plano, TX.

Types of Wood Fences in Plano TX

A fence is always as good as the wood it’s made from. Whether you need a fence for your commercial business or simply want to beautify your Plano TX home, you must make sure you choose one suitable for the harsh weather. Here are some of the most common species of wood used for fences in Plano, Texas.

1. Western Red Cedar

The Western Red Cedar has innate decay-resistant properties, particularly its heartwood, which is the inner part of the core of a tree’s trunk. It also has tight grain patterns and fibers, and unlike other softwoods, the western red cedar has significantly fewer knots. These factors make the Western Red Cedar highly resistant to rot and decay.

Moreover, scientists believe that certain kinds of red cedar are highly resistant to termites. This is excellent news for property owners in Plano, Texas, as the state has two of the most destructive termite species, including the Formosan Subterranean Termite.

The tight fibers of the Western Red Cedar even safeguard it from moisture-related problems. Thanks to its compact fibrous structure, it can resist high levels of dampness. Thus, the wood has great thermal properties, including a reduced risk for heat expansion.

2. Redwood

Some of the redwood species are highly resistant to decay fungi. Again this only applies to the tree trunk’s heartwood. Untreated redwood sapwood provides very low resistance to rot.

Keep in mind that sapwood refers to the external part of a tree trunk where water flows from the roots all the way to the leaves. Consequently, it has a much higher water content compared to heartwood.

However, if you opt for high-quality redwood heartwood, your wood fence is going to be long-lasting and durable. The wood will also have a non-resinous structure, a straight grain, along with a fine texture. These qualities will help make sure you have a redwood fence that can resist moisture. Moreover, like red cedar, certain species of redwood have heartwood that can resist termites.

3. Southern Yellow Pine

One of the easiest-to-get wood in the United States is the Southern Yellow Pine. It’s probably one of the most budget-friendly options you can pick from.

The Southern Yellow Pine performs excellently in humid and damp conditions. However, it can be damaged by fungi and bugs if the weather is constantly wet. Fortunately, chemical treatments can be used to prevent these problems from occurring. In fact, it’s almost unheard of to find untreated southern yellow pine, which means that the wood has high rot-resistant properties. All in all, this is one of the best options for wood fence in Plano.

4. Teak

Teak is another great choice for wood fencing as it has a high content of oil. This makes the wood resistant to termites, decay, and to borers, and post beetles. Moreover, teak is extremely durable and has a high tensile strength, along with a tight grain. These factors make the wood perfect for external use, particularly in Plano’s weather conditions.

How to Maintain Wood Fence in Plano TX?

Prolonged exposure to the elements can lead to rotting wood, severe damage, and sundried fence pickets. If you live in Plano, Texas, you need to be extra vigilant in caring for and maintaining your wood fence.

1. Inspect the Site Before Installing the Fence

You can start protecting your wood fence before it’s installed by taking some preventative measures. Start by inspecting the building site and checking for any tree roots, rocks, concrete, etc., that can get in the way of your fence’s path.

The support posts for most wood fences should have a distance of eight feet. Make sure you have the space to dig a hole that is two feet deep for every post without coming into contact with anything harder than the soil. Moreover, when you pour concrete for the posts, use only enough to fill the hole. A high level of concrete can be forced upward in freezing temperatures, reducing the stability of your fence.

2. Repair All Damages

When it comes to outdoor fences, freezing temperatures in Plano TX coupled with the frost-defrost cycle typically do the highest amount of damage. This makes it imperative to repair even the smallest damage to your fence before winter comes. If you don’t repair and protect your wood fence properly, water can seep inside the compromised spots, freeze when the mercury drops, and tear apart even the strongest joints. The right level of care and maintenance can help you save a lot of money and hassle when spring comes next year.

3. Clear Debris Around the Fence

Proper wood fence maintenance involves removing weeds or grass growing around the bottom of your fence. When they get too close to your fence, weeds, grass, and other plants can create a moist, dark environment that leads to wood rot and mold growth. Cut or remove any low or loose-hanging tree limbs that are close to or touching your fence. This makes sure they do not rub against the fence or damage it during a harsh storm.

Contact Texas State Fence Today

Choosing the right material for a wooden fences in Plano TX and maintaining it using the tips mentioned above can make it last for years. If you need help choosing a wood fence material for your Plano home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experts at Texas State Fence. We have provided over 3,000 fence and outdoor living projects in Texas and will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding wood fences.