Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gardening

Metal vs plastic: Which garden fence is right for you?

Cayla Leonard
By

Do critters keep getting into your garden? Do your plants keep escaping the confines of their beds? Does your yard feel a little flat, like it needs something to break up the space? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you may need a fence. Which fence is right for you, though? Metal and plastic fences both have benefits and drawbacks, which we’ll lay out for you so you have all the information you need to choose the best fence for your garden.

A metal fence coated in green sealant with purple flowers growing behind it
Gagodesign/Shutterstock

Metal fencing

Metal fences come in a variety of styles. From chain-link to wrought iron to smaller, more decorative borders, metal fencing can pair with almost any aesthetic. But, does metal fencing have more benefits to offer?

Durability

Metal fencing gets a high score in durability, being one of the most durable fencing materials readily available to gardeners. Depending on the type of metal, the type of protection or finish, as well as weather conditions, metal fencing can last decades. Metal is difficult to damage, making it a great option for houses with rambunctious children or pets, and scratches can be buffed out or painted over. However, the trade off is that metal fences can be more difficult to repair if they’re damaged. Additionally, their sturdy nature can make them somewhat challenging to move.

Related

Cost

Metal fences, due to the variety of styles available, have a wide range of prices. Fences with thinner poles, wider spacing, or cheaper metal can be relatively inexpensive, while thicker, more ornate fences can go for $100 or more. This could make it challenging to find  the specific style you want within your budget. If you have a smaller area to fence, it may not be an issue. However, if you’re looking to fence a large garden on a tight budget, metal fencing may not be the best option.

Environmental impact

Metal fencing won’t have any immediate impact on your garden or surrounding area, especially if it is properly sealed against rust. Metal production does take a substantial amount of energy, which isn’t good for the environment. However, since metal is recyclable and reusable, when combined with its long life span it’s a more environmentally friendly form of fencing. For the lowest possible environmental impact, check with your local thrift or secondhand shops and yard sales to see if there’s a used fence you can get rather than purchasing a new one.

In terms of the fence’s impact on your garden specifically, it depends on the style you choose. Many garden fiends can squeeze through medium or larger gaps in fences, and deer can easily leap over low fences. If your fence has small gaps and is tall, then a metal fence will work just fine for pest control.

White plastic fence around a patch of land
Genotar/Shutterstock

Plastic fencing

Plastic fencing, by comparison, has a less elegant reputation. Does this mean it’s the lesser choice or that it doesn’t have as much to offer as metal fencing? Here are the facts.

Durability

Plastic has a moderate durability. It isn’t as long lasting as metal, to be sure, but it can still last quite awhile if properly maintained. Depending on the type of plastic used, some fences can actually be quite flexible, making them less likely to break than hard plastic fences. However, harsh weather may still cause damage. Small repairs can often be done at home; and, in the case of more extreme damage, plastic fences are easy to replace.

Cost

Plastic fencing is typically more economical than metal fencing, although some hardier plastic fences are more expensive than wooden ones. Plastic fences are also less expensive in terms of the energy used to install them. They’re lighter weight than metal fencing, making them much less difficult to put up or take down.

Environmental impact

Plastic production is, in general, not good for the environment. However, with the increasing trend toward sustainability, there are fences made from recycled plastic. These are much more environmentally friendly than a traditional plastic fence, so even the most eco-conscious gardeners can feel good about their fencing. Once the fence is damaged beyond use, it can be recycled again.

In terms of effect on your garden, it once again is a question of style. However, it is more common to see plastic fences with no gaps than it is to see metal fences without gaps — making plastic fences the better option for pest control.

If you’re looking for a more permanent fence, one that you don’t intend to move and will last a long time, and price isn’t too much of an issue, then metal fencing may be the fence for you. For a fence that is easier to move, less expensive to procure, and generally better at pest control, then the plastic fence is what we recommend. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Good luck with your fence hunt!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Do you live in climate zone 10? Here’s our guide to choosing the perfect climate zone 10 plants
What you need to know about caring for climate zone 10 plants
Stacey Nguyen
By Stacey Nguyen
December 28, 2022
Tomatillo plant

One part of the country that many gardeners envy is climate zone 10, a warm sanctuary for a variety of plants, thanks to its very long growing seasons and mild winters. Made up of the southernmost parts of the country, this region has a climate that's ideal for multiple rounds of harvests. While it has specific challenges with blisteringly hot summers, it’s an overall welcoming environment for plant life. Below, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about zone 10 and all the plants that you can grow in it.

Where is climate zone 10?
Before we get into the specifics of climate zone 10, let’s talk about the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. When shopping for plants, you may see labels indicating a zone range — that basically tells you where the plant will be hardy for more than just one growing season. Essentially, the United States Department of Agriculture has divided the country into 13 regions, or climate zones, based on annual minimum temperature ranges. Zone 1 faces the coldest winters, while zone 13 usually has the warmest ones. Bearing this in mind, inhabitants of zone 10 will often experience warmer winters.

Read more
Have you ever wondered if potatoes are fruits or vegetables? We have answers
Everything you need to know about how potatoes are grown and used
Cayla Leonard
By Cayla Leonard
December 16, 2022
A pile of brown potatoes up close

Potatoes are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile food. They’re easy to grow and fun to eat, but what exactly are they? As gardeners, we use the phrase "fruits and vegetables," but what is the key difference between these two categories? More importantly, which category do potatoes fall into, and why does it even matter? If these questions have ever crossed your mind, then you’re in luck! In this handy guide, we’ll explain what makes a fruit a fruit, a vegetable a vegetable, and a potato a potato.

What is a fruit?
Fruits are a specific part of a plant that's formed to help protect and spread the seeds of the plant. Not all plants produce fruit. Some flowers, for example, form seed heads that help to disperse the seeds. Sunflowers and dandelions are good examples of this. Not all fruits are edible, either. There are plenty of poisonous berries, including yew and holly, which are eaten by birds but are toxic to humans.

Read more
Gardening 101: 7 easy seeds to grow in cups for a tiny, adorable, and low-maintenance indoor garden
How to choose seeds to start inside of cups
Rebecca Wolken
By Rebecca Wolken
November 28, 2022
Seed starting in cups

Many gardeners start seeds indoors during the last weeks of winter or early spring to get a head start on the growing season. When it's too cold to plant anything outside, you can start seeds indoors and transplant them in the ground once the weather warms up.

So what can you use for your seeds without spending a fortune on seed-starting trays? Plastic cups left over from parties or camping trips are ideal. Recycling these cups provides the perfect temporary (or even permanent) homes for your plants, and you'll get the cutest container garden in the process!

Read more