How to install willow fencing

5 June 2025

Surrounding your outdoor space with highly sustainable willow fencing is a great way to add a natural, rustic look. At Musgrove Willows, we stock beautiful, practical willow fence panels that are simple to install.

Read on to find out how to install willow fence panels to your outdoor space.

1. Plan your fencing boundary

Step one is to plan out exactly where your willow fence is going to go. Decide what lines your willow fencing will follow and mark the locations for each fence post. Measure out your fencing boundary so you know how much willow fencing to order.

Make sure you take into account any trees, plants, or other garden features that might affect the dimensions of your fencing boundary.

Once you’ve measured your fencing boundary, don’t worry if it turns out you need unusual sizes. At Musgrove Willows, we can supply bespoke willow fencing to fit any outdoor space, and supply alternative sizes to suit an unusual fence boundary layout.

2. Choose your willow fencing

Having worked out how much willow fencing you need, the next step is to purchase it. Here at Musgrove Willows, we stock beautiful willow fencing woven using willow grown right here on our Somerset farm – including willow hurdle fencing and willow fence screening.

We stock 6ft ribbon fencing panels available in various heights, and we also supply bespoke made-to-measure ribbon fencing panels. Handwoven by our experienced weavers, our willow fence panels offer privacy, wind-resistance, and durability. Woven willow fencing allows wind to blow through, meaning it is more robust and lasts better than regular fencing in high winds and stormy conditions. Each of our willow fence panels is also made with the bark left on to increase its lifespan.

There are several different willow fencing types and styles to choose from.

Framed fence panels

Framed fence panels offer a modern, clean look, with a sturdy edge and uniformity throughout. Our framed willow panels can be easily attached to wooden or concrete posts. We supply made-to-measure framed willow fence panels, and also stock standard sizes:

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)

Important Information

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.

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions regarding sizes. We are more than happy to assist you with your selection.

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.

We also stock framed fencing panels with a trellis top – just add 1 ft onto all above measurements for their sizes.

Ribbon fence panels

Ribbon willow fence panels offer a more classic look, perfectly suited to old-style properties in a rural setting. Our ribbon fencing is not as uniform and more rustic looking, but still easy to attach to wooden or concrete fence posts. We stock the same standard sizes of ribbon fence panels as we do for framed panels (excluding 2ft high).

We also offer made-to-measure ribbon fence panels, ideal for bespoke fencing projects.

3. Purchase and install your fence posts

Putting up your willow fence begins with installing your fence posts. Standard fence posts are available at most DIY stores and garden centres. The size of your fence posts should take into account:

the height of your fence above ground
how much you want the post to show above the fence
how far you want to bury the post in the ground

You can use either round or square fence posts, but it’s important to decide before you put up your fence whether your fence panels will be going in front of your fence posts or in-between them. Some modern concrete posts have channels in the sides of them which the fence panels can fit into.

Place your fence posts at regular intervals along the line of your fence boundary. Space the posts according to your panel width and whether you’re positioning the panels on or in-between your posts.

Make sure your posts are securely installed deeply in the ground and stable. Use Postcrete or a similar concrete product where needed.

4. Install your willow fencing

Now your fence posts are securely in place, it’s time to install your willow fence panels between them. You can screw each fence panel to your wooden fence posts, ensuring every panel is securely attached to a fence post and stable.

As you move along the line of your fence, keep checking that your fence panels are aligned and level. This way, you can adjust things as you go along – making sure that, at the end, you’re left with a beautiful, level willow fence.

5. Maintain your willow fencing

Once your willow fence is installed, it will add a beautiful, natural aesthetic to your outside space. To keep your willow fence looking as good as the day it went up for many years to come, it’s important to maintain it properly.

To do this, treat your willow fence panels with a top quality Fence Panel Protector – a 50/50 mixture of boiled linseed oil and turpentine. You can also use Protek to protect your willow fence. You can apply the treatment with a brush or spray bottle. Your fence panels will be sticky to the touch for a week or two as the treatment soaks in.

Applying treatment to your willow fence once or twice a year will greatly extend its lifespan and keep every panel looking beautiful for years to come.

For beautiful Somerset willow fencing, contact Musgrove today

If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space with some beautiful, handwoven willow fencing, here at Musgrove Willows we can help. We have everything from willow fence panels, to willow garden edging, willow garden gates, and more. We also regularly host willow weaving courses right here at out our Somerset farm – our garden courses include willow hurdle weaving workshops, where you’ll be guided through how to make your very own willow fence panels.

For more information on how to install willow fencing or any of our courses or products, contact us today and a member of our friendly team will be in touch to help.