I've got a very similar setup, arborvitae about two feet away from a split
rail fence, with bark mulch underneath. I've got a lot of fence line, and
in some places it's just arbs, and in others it's arbs mixed with other
shrubs and perennials. There have been no problems of any kind. The
arborvitae doesn't really blow around all that much, and having just been
through Isabella I feel qualified to make this statement! I have several
varieties--some stay in a neat pyramidal form, and some grow more
vigorously, and I do some light trimming of those each spring, and keep them
topped at about 8 feet tall.

My advice would be to shop around and spend a few dollars more for some of
the newer named varieties that have better winter color, a nicer shape, etc.
If you do plant the type that grows vigorously, it's important to keep them
trimmed and somewhat compact. Last winter we had heavy snow and ice storms,
and arborvitae that had been left to grow to 20 feet had their tops bent
over.

Cheers,
Sue

--

Zone 6, South-central PA

"Lecher9000" wrote in message
...
I am thinking of planting a visual screen right next to a 3 rail split
rail
fence, which is 14 years old and rotting somewhat. The hedge will
probably be
something tall like arbor vitae, so will blow in the wind. I might plant
the AV
about 2 feet away from the fence, and then trim the grass behind them
with a
weed whacker, or put down mulch.

My question is : even with a new strong fence, are there problems with
planting
arbor vitae right next to a wooden split rail fence ? Roots, rubbing,
interference, etc. ?

Thanks