Protecting Greenhouse from Wind Damage

[barry75]

Hi All

I should have my greenhouse arriving in a few weeks,cant wait.But am worried that my greenhouse could be damaged by wind as the site is new and there is no mature hedgeing around yet.I have a wire fence up and have a mesh windbreaker attached to this,(fence about 4 ft high).Is this enough or can anyone recommed a fast growing plant to provide a windbreak.

Thanks Barry

[sarraceniac]

Hi Barry. Several thoughts.

1) Don't fall for the Leylandii trap. It is pretty awful and although fast growing is pretty unmanageable.

2) Consider your wire fence and grow something up it like Russian vine (mile a minute) which is also pretty unmanageable but at least is easy to get rid of when you have had enough.

3) Possibly a pretty climber like Clematis montana. But not much use in winter - it is deciduous.

I think the most sensible move is to make sure your greenhouse is securely anchored. I live right by the North Sea, and whilst we don't get Atlantic gales, the wind can get pretty fierce round here in late autumn through to early spring. I spent an extra £50 on having an expert secure my greenhouse several years ago and have never lost a pane (he threw in a guarantee). Wind produces a steady pressure. Glass can withstand that. What it can't stand is a sudden shock so don't leave things lying around that can be picked up by the wind and hurled against the glass.

[barry75]

Hi Barry. Several thoughts.

1) Don't fall for the Leylandii trap. It is pretty awful and although fast growing is pretty unmanageable.

2) Consider your wire fence and grow something up it like Russian vine (mile a minute) which is also pretty unmanageable but at least is easy to get rid of when you have had enough.

3) Possibly a pretty climber like Clematis montana. But not much use in winter - it is deciduous.

I think the most sensible move is to make sure your greenhouse is securely anchored. I live right by the North Sea, and whilst we don't get Atlantic gales, the wind can get pretty fierce round here in late autumn through to early spring. I spent an extra £50 on having an expert secure my greenhouse several years ago and have never lost a pane (he threw in a guarantee). Wind produces a steady pressure. Glass can withstand that. What it can't stand is a sudden shock so don't leave things lying around that can be picked up by the wind and hurled against the glass.

Thanks for the quick reply

My brother has leylandii around his house and is very fast growing.
I will make sure the greenhouse is securely anchored by attaching it to treated 2 by 4 timber onto a contrete footing.
Just another question does my fence need to be higher than 4ft to provide shelter for the greenhouse?

[sarraceniac]

Don't know what the law is where you are Barry but in the UK you can put in a fence at the back of your house (assuming you are in a residential area) of up to 6 feet and in the front, on a main road, up to 4 feet. But if you put a greenhouse in the front you need planning permission anyway because it is classed as a permanent structure. So assuming you are residential and it's at the back of your property, if you were in the UK I would certainly recommend going to 6 feet. In the RoI then please check. (P.S. My fence is 2 metres (6'6") but my neighbours agreed not to complain. )

[Galileo]

Hi Barry

I came accross this article on preventing wind damage to a Greenhouse when I put up my Greenhouse a few months ago. I followed most of the recommendations. Prevent Wind Damage To Your Greenhouse

Regards

Galileo