These systems are modelled on the vegetation zones at the boundaries of forest ecosystems and perform similar functions. Suitably designed living fences can meet different needs, providing protection from strong winds, slowing down the advance of fire, reducing noise and filtering incoming air from pollen and particles. These systems are largely made up of fast-growing colonising species, which are particularly hardy and have deep root systems. In addition to these functions, these systems provide food and raw materials for plant medicines, as well as food and shelter for insects, birds and small wildlife, timber, food for domestic animals and materials for ground cover.

Along the boundaries of the New Guinea farm, fences have been planted to filter incoming air, block noise while providing relative fire protection to the farm. Also on the side of the prevailing winds, windbreaks have been planted, designed to divert a large percentage of the air masses and reduce the speed of the air passing through the protected crops.