Willow vs. timber fencing: The smart choice for exposed and windy gardens
4 June 2026
In need of a new garden fence? Whilst timber is the classic fence of choice for many homeowners, willow fencing is a fantastic alternative – particularly if you’ve got a garden exposed to the elements. Willow fencing is durable, weather-resistant, very easy to install and maintain, and can be bought affordably from professional willow growers like Musgrove Willows.
Read on for a deep dive into some of the reasons willow garden fencing is fast becoming a popular alternative to timber.
1. Less likely to blow over in strong winds
At Musgrove Willows, our willow fences are handwoven to provide a natural windbreak. The weave construction of each fence panel ensures they block the force of the elements, but gaps in the weave allow some wind to pass through – enabling the fence to remain stable, even in high winds and stormy weather.
This is also beneficial on warmer days – the gaps in the weave of a willow fence allow heat to escape from your garden, and in turn allow cooler, fresher air in.
2. Sustainably made and wildlife friendly
If you’re a sustainability-minded homeowner, willow fencing is the perfect option. At Musgrove Willows, we practise a carbon-neutral policy. Our fence panels are woven using willow grown on our Somerset farm using sustainable farm practises. This includes:
- Generating electricity for our weaving sheds using solar panels mounted on the roof.
- Collecting rainwater for washing our stripped willows.
- Using cattle to weed our willow beds, not harmful pesticides.
If you want to encourage wildlife to visit your garden, willow fencing is the way to go. It creates sheltered areas that offer safe nesting spots for birds, habitats for small mammals like hedgehogs, and opportunities for other flora and fauna to establish themselves.
3. Natural aesthetic and highly customisable
Unlike timber fences made from wood treated with chemicals, no harmful chemicals are used in the making of our natural willow fence panels. We also use no plastics – each panel is handwoven using high quality, one year old willow, adding a beautiful, natural aesthetic to any garden.
Lightweight and customisable, it’s easy to purchase and install the exact style of willow fencing you want – check out our article on how to install willow fencing for everything you need to know. There are also several different willow fencing styles to choose from, all comparable in price to premium timber fencing.
Willow roll fencing (screening)
Willow roll fencing is perfect for use as boundary fencing, garden zoning, or to screen unsightly areas. It is simple to attach to fence uprights using ties or staples.
Framed willow fence panels
Sturdy and durable, our framed willow fence panels add privacy and beauty to any outdoor space. Also available with trellis and in made-to-measure bespoke sizes.
Ribbon willow fencing
Our ribbon willow fencing has a timeless, rustic look – the weave is based on the fencing traditionally used to corral animals. Available in standard sizes or made-to-measure, our ribbon fencing is also 100% biodegradable – it leaves no harmful residue or landfill waste when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
4. Long lifespan
Like a timber fence, a willow fence can be kept looking good for many years to come – but it needs to be treated regularly to extend its lifespan.
This can be done using a mixture of boiled linseed oil and turpentine, like our Fence Panel Protector. Apply the treatment once or twice a year using a brush or spray bottle.
Trust in the willow fencing experts
If you’re interested in a high quality willow fence for your garden, Musgrove Willows can help. We have lots of useful articles in our Help and Advice section – including advice on fencing.
If you have any questions about our fences or any of our other willow products, please get in touch with the Musgrove team.
