When choosing a fence material, both environmental and aesthetic considerations come into play. The classic charm of wood clashes with the low-maintenance allure of vinyl, leaving homeowners wondering: which option truly benefits the planet?

Fortunately nowadays there are many sustainable options from sustainable wood to recycled plastic and fences made of live plants.

Myth #1: Wood is Always the More Sustainable Choice

While wood is a renewable resource, its sustainability depends heavily on responsible forestry practices.

Unsustainable logging contributes to deforestation, harming ecosystems and impacting carbon sequestration. Conversely, responsibly sourced, certified wood can hold ecological benefits.

Wood is a carbon-negative material. It stores carbon rather than emitting or producing carbon. Minimal fossil fuels are used to produce wood (unlike other building materials like steel, concrete, or glass).

Bamboo fencing can be a great choice. Bamboo grows extremely fast - up to three feet per day and spreads rapidly. So, it’s a great source of sustainable wood. The only concerns are any chemicals applied to the bamboo and making sure it lasts long. Note you can also plant your own bamboo fence but will need to find ways to keep it from spreading into your neighbors yard with root pruning.

Another choice, AltruWood’s AltruCedar eco-friendly fences are made from premium 100% FSC-Certified Western Red cedar. A Northwest gem, this cedar type is prized for its rich, warm colors and its ability to withstand years of outdoor exposure. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal certifies the wood is harvested from responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable forests.

If you can get your hands on it, reclaimed wood is a great option. Though it has become popular thanks to the DIY craze, I have still seen free fence boards on Facebook and similar sites. Things to consider are whether there are pests, especially termites as you could accidentally bring these into your yard, and possibly to your home.

Another option is to weave natural materials such as branches together to make a fence. Take one glance at a woven hurdle fence, and you may feel transported to a centuries-old scene of rolling green hills and medieval British countryside. The hurdle fence has been used to fence off areas for cattle for thousands of years, as well as providing structure for ancient round houses. You can build your own from local materials.

If you are not trying to keep your dog in the yard, natural fences from hedgerows are a great choice. The only catch is you may need to wait 5-10 years for the fence to fully form. Try to use native species if possible and your fence will provide habitat for local birds and pollinators.

Myth #2: Vinyl is Simply Plastic and Bad for the Environment

Vinyl fences are primarily composed of PVC, a petroleum-based plastic. Production requires energy and generates emissions, but advancements in manufacturing and recycling are improving their environmental footprint. Vinyl's durability also minimizes resource consumption over time. Vinyl can also release chemicals.

Just by using PVC you are contributing to a process that requires highly hazardous PFAS, asbestos, or mercury to work. In China, where an estimated 34% of all PVC is made today, the industry uses massive amounts of mercury while contributing to carbon dioxide pollution and global warming. One of PVC’s building blocks, vinyl chloride, is a potent carcinogen and one of the most commonly released industrial chemicals.

All of these additives make PVC hard to recycle, and very little of it is. Most ends up in landfills and incinerators. Not only is it hard to recycle, it interferes badly with the sorting process at recycling facilities, so much so that recyclers, packagers, and major consumer brands have called for it to be entirely phased out of use.

A middle ground, biocomposite building materials are wholly or partially made up of organic materials. They produce eco-friendly fences by nature, since they make use of renewable resources as well as recycled materials. It’s made of a combination of recycled plastic and natural wheat straw, a waste product of grain harvests. Given that most of our waste is not recycled, this is a great option.

Trex sells fencing that’s composed of 96 percent recycled wood and plastic: a combination of reclaimed wood, sawdust, and recycled plastic bags.

Similar to Trex, Freeman Fence makes a bio composite fencing that’s made of recycled plastic and wheat straw. This fencing looks like natural wood fencing but requires little to no maintenance.

Myth #3: Maintenance Equals Sustainability

Both wood and vinyl require maintenance, although in different ways.

Wood needs regular staining, sealing, and potential replacements due to rot or insect damage - usually every few years. Staining and sealing can release chemicals into the air and if spilled, into the soil. You can reduce this buy buying stains with fewer toxins in them. Fortunately you can also replace a single board on a fence, so save those extras.

Vinyl might require less upkeep, but improper disposal at the end of its lifespan can create landfill waste. Most vinyl fences last 20-30 years, but you can extend yours with some good maintenance practices. These include cleaning with soap and water, keeping vegetation and heavy equipment away, being careful of swampy lands and too much UV light.

Beyond the Myths: Building a Sustainable Fence

Instead of solely focusing on wood vs. vinyl, consider these broader approaches:

Prioritize Responsible Sourcing

Opt for wood certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure sustainable forestry practices.

Embrace Durability

Choose materials built to last, minimizing resource consumption and replacement needs. Consider treated wood or high-quality vinyl for longevity.

Explore Alternatives

Research sustainable options like composite lumber, reclaimed wood, bamboo, or living fences made from fast-growing plants. Repurposing materials can be a fun and creative project for you and your family!

Using repurposed doors as fencing material is the perfect example of this. Pick up some old doors, treat them with a weather-resistant coating to ensure they're able to stand up to constant exposure to the elements, and add on some beams along the back to create a fence.

Using repurposed doors as fencing material is the perfect example of this. Pick up some old doors, treat them with a weather-resistant coating to ensure they're able to stand up to constant exposure to the elements, and add on some beams along the back to create a fence.

Metal signage can last for decades along the side of the road or in front of a business, so it's safe to assume that it can do the same in your very own backyard. Metal fencing is popular thanks to its durability and relatively low price point, but you can accomplish the same task with a much more interesting final look by using repurposed signs.

Minimize Maintenance

Choose naturally resistant wood species or composite materials that require less sealing and staining. Proper installation minimizes future repairs.

Plan for End-of-Life

Research responsible disposal options for both wood and vinyl, including recycling programs or repurposing possibilities.

Ranking Wood vs. Vinyl as a Sustainability Solution

Accuracy: The claim that one material is inherently more sustainable than the other is inaccurate. Responsible sourcing, material durability, maintenance practices, and end-of-life management all play crucial roles in the environmental impact of your fence.

Ease of implementation: Choosing certified wood or low-maintenance vinyl might be easier than researching alternatives. However, the environmental benefits of alternatives can outweigh the initial effort.

Cost: Certified wood and sustainable alternatives might have higher upfront costs, but their durability and lower maintenance needs can balance them out in the long run.

Ethics: Supporting responsible forestry practices, minimizing resource consumption, and choosing materials with responsible end-of-life options align with ethical considerations for a sustainable future.

Impact on climate change: Responsible sourcing, choosing durable materials, minimizing maintenance, and exploring alternatives can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with fences.

Overall: Neither wood nor vinyl holds a definitive sustainability crown. By understanding their unique impacts, prioritizing responsible sourcing, exploring alternatives, and implementing sustainable practices throughout the fence's lifecycle, we can all contribute to building a greener future, one fence at a time.

Further Resources:

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Sustainable Building Materials Coalition

Remember, every action, however small, counts towards a more sustainable world. By making informed choices and advocating for responsible practices, we can ensure that even our fences stand tall for a healthy planet.