How to Make an Upright Wattle Fence

The wattle fence uses freshly cut, untreated tree branches to form its structure, and has been used since ancient times to mark borders, enclose domestic animals and keep predators out of farmland. Over the years, the design of the wattle fence was perfected and it is still commonly found in the U.K., and also has gained popularity as decorative fencing in the U.S. The wattle fence uses weaving techniques similar to simple basket weaving with branches threaded through upright posts.

2.5 foot lengths of rebar (as needed)
2 inch blocks of 2-by-2 wood
3 foot plus branches, at least 1.5 inches in diameter
Mallet
Drill
1/2 inch drill bit
Hand clippers
Loppers
Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the area to be covered using a wattle fence with the tape measure. Cut green branches from trees having long, straight branches, such as willow and alder in varying lengths to cover the area at the desired size.
- 2
  Drill a hole into the 2-by-2 wood pieces to act as caps for the rebar posts. Twist the caps onto the rebar to hold them securely in place. Hammer the rebar posts into position along the edge of the proposed fence line. For straight fences, rebar posts should be positioned 1.5 feet apart, and on curved edges they should be one foot apart.
- 3
  Choose thicker branches that have been cut and weave them through the rebar posts alternately inside and outside the posts to hold them in position. Press down the branches close to the ground as they are woven to make firm fence.
- 4
  Look for gaps between the large branches in the fence. Fill gaps in the fence with smaller, thinner branches.
- 5
  Trim jagged or pointy edges branches poking out of the fence with loppers and hand clippers. Weave branches between the posts and trim until the fence is completely formed.

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