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Regular staining, sealing, and inspecting for rot or insect damage prolongs fence lifespan.

It typically takes three to five days to stain a fence, though most of that time is spent—literally—watching paint dry. The main issue is that you can’t stain a wet fence because the stain won’t sink into the porous grain of the wood. That means you’ll need to wait 24 hours to stain your fence after you wash it and 12 to 24 hours between each coat. Most people spend about an hour staining per 10 to 20 linear feet. 

Maintain your wattle fence by inspecting it at least twice per year for loose weaving and degrading branches. Replace any seriously degraded sections, ensure water drains properly around the posts, and trim any sprouting branches if you used green wood. If you notice the weave loosening, you can often tighten it by gently pushing down on the top branches. You can also apply a natural wood preservative every two to three years to extend the fence's lifespan.

The best month to paint outside depends on the climate where you live. Temperate and dry conditions are ideal, but that can mean a different time of year for a homeowner in Florida compared to one in Washington. Late spring, early summer, and early fall offer the best weather for painting. If you live in a cool area, you might look to paint in June, while those in hotter places might find better results in September after the heat breaks.