Thinking about adding a tall bamboo fence to your property? Hold that thought. While bamboo fencing can create stunning visual impacts and transport guests to tropical destinations, it’s not as simple as ordering some poles and calling your maintenance team.
In fact, according to industry experts, installing a tall bamboo fence requires careful consideration of your location, materials, and long-term maintenance plans—and sometimes, it might not be the right choice at all. But this guide will help you figure all that out, so read on.
Tall Bamboo Fencing: What Are Your Options?
Before you dive into a bamboo fencing project, you need to understand what you’re really getting into. Let’s break down the key decisions you’ll need to make, starting with perhaps the most important one: natural or artificial bamboo?
Natural vs. Artificial Bamboo
Here’s where we need to have a frank conversation about expectations versus reality. If you’ve got your heart set on natural bamboo, you should rethink things.
“My best tip would be don’t do it,” says Tristan Ishtar, vice president of sales at amaZulu. “I don’t think you should do a tall bamboo fence unless you’re in parts of Arizona or Texas where it’s dry.”
Why such a strong warning? Natural bamboo, while beautiful, can be incredibly challenging to maintain in moist climates. But the good news is, artificial options have come a long way. “Artificial interlocking can be outdoor, that’s fine,” Tristan says. “You get a 10-year warranty and it won’t fade.”
Let’s review the options:
Natural Bamboo:
- Authentic look and feel
- Requires specific climate conditions
- Higher maintenance needs
- Shorter lifespan
- More susceptible to weather damage
Artificial Bamboo:
- Consistent appearance
- Weather-resistant
- 10-year warranty
- Lower maintenance
- Higher upfront cost
Height Considerations
When it comes to building a tall bamboo fence versus a regular bamboo fence, there aren’t really any additional considerations, Tristan notes. But there are a few nuances.
“The main difference is you may have extra horizontal rails going in there,” he says. “Instead of a 4-foot or 6-foot fence that may have a couple horizontal rails, you might need three horizontal rails for a taller fence.”
This might seem like a small detail, but it’s crucial for structural integrity. Taller fences face more challenges:
- Greater wind resistance
- Increased structural support needs
- More complex installation requirements
- Higher material costs
- Additional maintenance considerations
Critical Installation Guidelines for a Tall Bamboo Fence
If you’ve decided to move forward with a bamboo fence installation, you’ll need to follow some crucial guidelines to ensure success. This isn’t your typical fencing project—bamboo comes with its own set of rules.
Site Preparation
One of the most critical pieces of advice Ishtar shares is about ground contact if you decide to go with natural bamboo: “Remember to cut on the node for natural bamboo so it doesn’t collect water, and don’t install directly in the ground—keep it a couple inches off the ground,” Tristan says.
This seemingly small detail can make the difference between a fence that lasts years and one that fails within months. Here’s why:
- Ground contact leads to moisture absorption
- Standing water causes rot
- Proper elevation improves airflow
- Drainage prevents structural damage
Material Selection
If you’re committed to using natural bamboo, material selection is crucial.
“If you’re going to build a tall bamboo fence with natural bamboo, make sure you go with a structural bamboo species,” Tristan warns. He’s seen the consequences of poor material choices firsthand: “I’ve been to places with Tonkin indoor fences and half of it is split wide open. If you try to use individual Tonkin poles, it’s going to be a very frustrating experience.”
Need Expert Guidance for Your Tall Bamboo Fence? We Can Help
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure this out alone. amaZulu’s team has seen it all when it comes to bamboo fencing—the good, the bad, and the ugly. We can help you:
- Assess your climate suitability
- Choose the right materials
- Plan proper installation
- Develop maintenance strategies
Want to avoid costly mistakes? Let’s talk about your project. Our experts will help you determine if a tall bamboo fence is right for your property, or if another solution might better serve your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’ll help you make the choice that makes sense for your specific situation.
