Fences do, indeed, make good neighbors. Many homeowners may consider the installation of a fence at some point or another. The following lists some of the most popular reasons to install fencing around your landscape.
Set your boundaries. Property definition is a major reason to fence your landscape. It leaves no question as to what features belong to which property owner. This is important because as time goes by and the property changes hands, a clear definition of a landscape will only make neighborly relations better. For example, it will be quite clear who is to prune which trees and shrubs as well as who is to mow the grass. By leaving no plant in a gray area, you can take responsibility for your property and let the neighbors be responsible for theirs.
Add beauty to your garden. Aesthetic reasons make various fencing styles an attractive option for homeowners. Fences can add a stately formality to an estate. They can also help define a landscape theme. For example, that white picket fence adds that traditional charm to rustic country gardens. Or, a bamboo fence is the perfect accompaniment to a Japanese tea garden or an Oriental rock garden. Wood, stone, wrought iron – these materials will add an attractive dimension to your landscape plan.
Safeguard ponds and pools. If your property contains a water feature like a garden pond or pool, than fencing is likely a must for safety reasons alone. Children frequently roam the neighborhood and you wouldn’t want your ornamental waterlily pond to appear too inviting to young kids looking to cool off. Some villages may require fencing of swimming pools, and there may be a discount in sight on your homeowner’s insurance if you take the precaution of installing a fence. Safety is also a concern if your garden is known to contain poisonous plantings like foxglove, oleander or the castor bean plant – in such instances, keeping children out is a priority.
Animal control. Keeping pets in and keeping other animals out is a top reason to install a fence. You wouldn’t want your Pomeranian prancing around town and christening your neighbor’s petunias, for example. Likewise, as long as other dogs run free, you are likely to find unwanted tokens of their visit if you do not fence. Fences may also prevent deer or other types of animals from visiting your garden.
Privacy. Of course, keeping pets from nosing around is only half as important as keeping neighbors or strangers from taking a peek if privacy is a concern for you. Fences help create that border of privacy that can be indispensable. If you plan to entertain or simply to sunbathe, a solid-board fence can truly protect your landscape from prying eyes and afford you to keep your business your own. If you neighbor keeps commenting about the weeds overtaking your vegetable patch, it might be time to consider a privacy fence.
Support climbing plants. Fences also make great supports for climbing plants and vines. For a small gardening space, they give the gardener more room to grow. As climbing plants are among the most attractive – consider common jasmine or golden trumpet flowers – they are likely to be a focal point of the landscape. They also help to add privacy by covering the fence in a relatively short amount of time, making a common chain link fence an attractive feature.
Add lasting value. And, if none of the above means much to you, perhaps thinking of a fence as an investment will. A durable and well-built fence may add to the value of your property. Consider wood or stone in a traditional style. By investing in a beautiful design with timeless materials, you may incorporate the costs into your asking price should you plan to sell the property.
Buying and installing a fence is a good idea for all these reasons, and you may have your own to add. Choose quality materials and your fencing is likely to last and perform the functions you need it to.
