A living fence is more than just a line of greenery—it’s a sustainable, living boundary that evolves with your landscape. “Living fences offer a cooling effect, unlike the heat-absorbing properties of wood and vinyl,” says Linda Vater, gardening expert for the Southern Living Plant Collection. How to build a living fence: step-by-stepMark and Prepare the AreaBegin by carefully measuring your intended fence line to determine the number of plants needed and ensure an even layout. Planting DesignChoose between staggered or straight-row planting designs depending on the desired style and function of your living fence. Training and PruningPruning is essential for encouraging dense, healthy growth and maintaining the overall shape of your living fence.