Top 50 Fence Trellis Ideas

Fences do much more than mark property lines or offer privacy—they can be stylish, functional design elements that transform the look and feel of your outdoor space.

Whether you prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic or a cozy, natural feel, incorporating landscaping along and around your fence can make it a beautiful backdrop for your yard.

Here’s how to combine fence design with landscaping for a cohesive, inviting outdoor space.

1. Modern Fence Design

Modern fences are defined by simplicity, clean lines, and the use of materials like metal, wood, or composite. Here are some popular modern fence design ideas:

• Horizontal Wood Slats: Horizontal slats are a staple of modern design, creating a streamlined look that offers privacy without feeling closed off. Cedar or redwood slats are popular for their durability and rich color.
• Metal and Composite Panels: Metal panels, often made of aluminum or steel, offer a sleek, industrial aesthetic. Composite panels (a mix of wood and plastic) provide the look of wood without the maintenance.
• Concrete or Stone Walls with Metal Accents: Combining concrete with metal accents or decorative panels can create a striking, sculptural look for a modern yard.
• Mixed Materials: Blend wood with metal posts, or stone with glass, to add texture and interest. Mixed-material fences suit modern and minimalist landscapes beautifully.

2. Fence Landscaping

Planting around fences adds dimension, color, and personality to a yard. Here’s how to approach landscaping around your fence:

• Tall Grasses and Flowering Shrubs: Plants like ornamental grasses or flowering shrubs, such as hydrangeas or lavender, soften the fence while adding color.
• Layered Planting: Plant a mix of heights along the fence to create a layered effect. Tall plants go closest to the fence, with medium plants in the middle and ground covers in the front.
• Climbing Vines: Climbing plants, like jasmine, clematis, or ivy, add lush greenery without taking up ground space. For privacy, fast-growing vines like wisteria or honeysuckle work well.

3. Fence Border Landscaping

A beautiful border along your fence can transform a simple fence into a garden feature. Try these ideas:

• Flowering Borders: Plant low-maintenance flowers along the fence, such as marigolds, daylilies, or hostas, to create a colorful edge.
• Shrub Borders: Low-growing shrubs like boxwood or dwarf hydrangeas can create a structured, formal look.
• Wildflower Borders: For a natural, cottage-style border, plant wildflowers such as coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and daisies. Wildflowers are also beneficial for pollinators, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden.

4. Landscaping Along a Fence Line

Planting directly along the fence line can maximize space while adding visual depth:

• Narrow Beds with Small Plants: Plant small shrubs, flowering plants, or ground covers in narrow beds for a clean, space-saving look.
• Vertical Gardens and Trellises: Attach trellises or a vertical garden structure to the fence, planting climbing flowers or edible plants like tomatoes, beans, or strawberries.
• Low-Maintenance Plants: Use low-maintenance plants like sedum, ferns, or succulents that thrive with little care, especially if space and access are limited.

5. Lawn Edging Ideas

Adding edging along a fence keeps your yard looking tidy and well-defined:

• Brick or Stone Edging: Natural stone or brick edges create a rustic look, especially for traditional or cottage-style gardens.
• Metal or Plastic Edging: Metal edging is durable, easy to install, and has a clean, modern look. Plastic edging is affordable and versatile, available in various colors and designs.
• Wooden Edging: For a cohesive look, use the same wood as the fence for edging. Treated wood or cedar are both durable and weather-resistant options.

6. Lawn Borders

Lawn borders provide a smooth transition from the lawn to the fence:

• Low Hedges: Low hedges, such as boxwood or privet, provide a neat, formal look that frames the fence and yard. They’re perfect for a symmetrical or structured design.
• Ornamental Grasses: Plants like fountain grass or blue fescue create a soft, natural look while adding texture to the landscape.
• Ground Covers: Ground covers, like creeping thyme or ajuga, add a soft layer of greenery. They’re low-maintenance, spread easily, and help keep weeds down.

7. Garden Border Ideas

Garden borders allow for more creativity with plant selections and arrangements:

• Layered Planting Borders: Plant taller flowers or grasses in the back, mid-sized plants in the center, and ground cover along the edge for a full, layered effect.
• Stone or Mulch Pathways: Adding a small pathway between the garden border and the fence keeps plants contained and allows for easy access.
• Edible Borders: Plant herbs like basil, thyme, or lavender along the fence for a functional and beautiful border. Flowering herbs add color and attract pollinators.

8. Bamboo Fence

Bamboo fencing is both unique and eco-friendly:

• Asian-Inspired Landscaping: Bamboo fences work well with a Zen garden theme. Plant Japanese maple trees, ferns, or hostas nearby for a tranquil, balanced look.
• Complementary Greenery: Consider pairing bamboo with tropical plants, like palms, to create an exotic, lush feel.
• Privacy Screening: Bamboo grows quickly, making it an excellent natural privacy screen. It also works well with stone or water features for a calming effect.

9. Backyard Fence Landscaping

Backyard fences benefit from thoughtful landscaping, especially for privacy:

• Tall Privacy Shrubs: Evergreen shrubs, such as arborvitae, holly, or yew, provide year-round coverage and privacy.
• Hanging Planters and Shelves: Attach planters or small shelves to the fence, creating a unique display for succulents, flowers, or herbs.
• Privacy Vines and Green Walls: Plant privacy vines like ivy, wisteria, or grapevine along a trellis on the fence. You can also install a vertical garden with modular planters for a “green wall” effect.

Conclusion

Fences can play a crucial role in the design of your yard, transforming from simple dividers to beautiful focal points. By thoughtfully integrating landscaping along and around your fence, you can create a space that feels complete, welcoming, and tailored to your style. Whether through modern fence materials, creative plant choices, or eye-catching garden borders, your fence can become an inspiring part of your outdoor oasis.