10 questions to ask before buying willow fencing
5 June 2025
Willow fences are a wonderful addition to any outdoor space, offering many benefits. If you’re considering adding willow fencing to your garden, here are ten useful questions to ask before buying.
1. Will I need planning permission?
In the UK, you only need planning permission to erect a fence if:
- Your fence exceeds 2 metres (6.56ft) in height.
- Your fence will be adjacent to a vehicle highway and exceeds 1 metre in height.
- Your property is a listed building or in a conservation area.
You may still need to check who owns the boundary and who is responsible for maintaining it, but there is nothing to stop you erecting a fence on your side of the boundary.
2. What is the difference between framed and ribbon edged willow fence panels?
Framed
Framed willow fencing panels are a more contemporary take on the traditional hurdle. Their framed look makes them a great choice for modern properties or more formal gardens with clean lines. Framed panels can also be purchased with trellis for a different look.
Ribbon edged
Ribbon edged willow fencing follows traditional patterns used for hurdle fencing to contain animals. It offers a more organic aesthetic, particularly suited to period or country style properties, or rural cottage gardens.
3. What size fence panels are available?
Our framed willow fencing can be made-to-measure. We also hold stock of standard sizes (also available with a trellis top – add 1 ft onto the below measurements for their size):
- 6ft wide by 6ft high (1.83 metres)
- 6ft wide by 5ft high (1.52 metres)
- 6ft wide by 4ft high (1.22 metres)
- 6ft wide by 3ft high (0.91 metres)
- 6ft wide by 2ft high (0.61 metres)
The woven section defines the height, with vertical stakes on the ribbon fencing adding an extra 6 inches at the top and bottom- these are for decorative purposes and can be trimmed if required.
All measurements are approximate and, owing to the nature of this handcrafted product, may vary.
Due to its natural construction, slight variations in colour, weave, and width may occur.
Our ribbon fencing is also available made-to-measure, ideal for a bespoke willow fencing project. It also comes in the same standard sizes we offer for framed panels (excluding 2ft high).
4. How easy is willow fencing to install?
All our willow fencing is incredibly straightforward to install. For our framed willow fence panels, you will need fence posts (wooden or concrete) driven securely into the ground. The willow fence panels can either be mounted in-between these posts or in front of them.
Our ribbon edged panels can be mounted in the same way, or placed onto a framework. See the pictures below for some examples.
Framed fence mounted between concrete posts
Framed fence with trellis mounted in front of fence posts
Ribbon edged fence placed onto a framework
5. How easy is willow fencing to maintain?
If you’re concerned about how to preserve willow fencing, don’t worry – it’s very easy to maintain. Brushing your fence panels at regular intervals with a stiff brush will remove any debris and cobwebs, refreshing the fence and keeping it looking spick and span.
The best way to ensure the longevity of your willow fence is to apply a treatment. This treatment should be a mixture of boiled linseed oil and turpentine. Apply it to every fence panel up to twice a year to prolong their lifespan.
Our Fence Panel Protector packs contain everything you need treat up to four of our standard 6ft x 6ft fence panels.
6. How much wind protection / privacy do willow fences offer?
Willow fences are a natural windbreak, able to withstand even high winds and remain stable. The design and construction of the panel withstands the wind because the weave allows some of it to pass through.
Willow fences provide plenty of privacy and comfort; their natural aesthetic adds a welcome rustic touch to any outdoor sanctuary. They can also be used to zone areas of your garden, or hide things you’d rather not see – like bins and septic tanks.
7. How long do willow fence panels last?
If properly maintained, a willow fence should last five to seven years – depending on its location. Direct sunlight or exposure to wet environments will cause the willow to degrade more quickly.
Regular maintenance with Fence Panel Protector will help prolong the life of your fence panels.
8. How do I work out how much willow fencing I should buy?
Plan out and measure exactly where you want to put your willow fence. Be sure to account for any trees or other garden features that could affect where your fencing boundary will go. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions regarding sizes. We are more than happy to assist you with your selection.
Mark the locations for all your fence posts and measure out the entire fencing boundary – now you’ll know how much willow fencing you need to buy. If it transpires that you need unusual sizes of fencing, at Musgrove Willows we supply bespoke willow fencing, offering alternative made-to-measure panels to accommodate all fencing projects.
Please note bespoke made-to-measure fencing can not be returned or refunded (please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more details.)
It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure they order the correct size and quantity of panels prior to delivery.
9. How long will it take my fence panels to arrive?
Our willow fence panels are usually made to order, handwoven onsite using willow grown right here at our Somerset farm.
Delivery times fluctuate according to demand (spring and summer are particularly busy times); our fences usually take between 2 to 12 weeks to be delivered. Our team will keep you updated on delivery times, so you’ll know exactly when your beautiful willow fence panels will arrive.
10. I have other questions, where can I get help?
If you have any more questions about willow fencing – such as how much does willow fencing cost for bespoke projects – just get in touch with the Musgrove Willow team. You can also find lots of helpful information and FAQs on our Help and Advice page.
