A boundary constructed by planting thorny shrubs, trees, or thick vines in a tight line to contain livestock or mark property edges. Over time, the plants interlock, often aided by pleaching or weaving the branches together. Unlike wire or wood fences, they provide windbreaks, prevent soil erosion, and supply wildlife habitat, though they require regular pruning to remain impenetrable.
Heard on the job
We spent the morning laying the hawthorn on the living fence to close up the gaps where the sheep were pushing through.
Insider tip
A well-maintained living fence can outlast a wire fence by centuries, but neglecting the annual pruning will quickly turn it into a row of patchy trees with gaps at the bottom.
Also heard as
- hedgerow