R.C Fence LLC deters animals that would otherwise destroy your crops or eat the flowers and veggies you’ve grown. Choosing the best type of fence depends on your desired level of privacy and security and your budget.
Willow fencing adds a rustic cottage feel to your yard and is wind-resistant. Wood fences are also customizable; you can stain or leave them natural, depending on your preference.
Garden fences are often erected to offer privacy from nosy neighbors. You may also want to block a view from your house or to hide an unsightly area of the garden that is overlooked by windows. Whatever your reason, a good starting point for privacy fence ideas is to check your local laws on fencing height. Many countries, towns and districts have regulations on how high you can build a fence on your boundary with another property. These rules may differ from one part of the neighborhood to the next. In some areas, you are permitted to build a garden fence much higher than is allowed in others.
A tall wall of brick or rendered blocks is a great garden privacy solution and works well in a large, open space. However, it can look stark and uninviting in a small garden. To soften the look, match it with evergreen climbers to add shelter and – if you use flowering varieties – color and scent.
It’s important to remember that a fence is not just about privacy but also about creating a safe and secure environment for children and pets. You don’t want them running into the street or chasing after wildlife. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your fence is not too low for young children and that it isn’t too high for dogs.
Another way to add privacy is to use natural screens of shrubs, ferns, and trees to obscure the view. These can be combined with a fence, or planted in front of the fence itself. Plantings with light airy foliage, such as bamboo or ornamental grasses, work well in front of a fence as they allow some sunlight to pass through.
For a more formal approach to privacy fencing, try espaliered pears or pear trees to screen the front of your home. This attractive option creates a pretty transition from walkway to garden and can be trimmed to keep the plants neatly in check.
If you do have to use a fence to create privacy, don’t let it spoil the rest of your design. A slatted fence painted in black or a dark green looks really striking and makes the greenery stand out against it. Alternatively, paint your fence a neutral color such as pale grey or green for a clean modern effect.
In addition to preventing pests from accessing your precious produce, your garden fence should also be able to deter thieves. Professional burglars are opportunistic, they will only break into a property if it’s worth their while and they can make a good profit.
This means that a well-built, sturdy garden fence is the best line of defence, keeping criminals away from your expensive patio furniture and bicycles which are often stored in the back garden, or even your more valuable tools. In fact, a 2007 university research project found that professional burglars regularly visit properties they have marked up in the past to see if fences have been damaged or removed.
A robust fence made of a strong material like wood or wrought iron is a great deterrent to would-be thieves, especially one that’s topped with trellis. The trellis will not only look pretty and add to the overall aesthetics but it will also make the fence much harder to climb, making it less of a target. Adding thorny plants to the top of your fence will make it even more off putting for burglars, as they will likely get cut trying to scale the trellis and will be more easily spotted.
If you do opt for a trellis, we recommend attaching it to your fence panels using stainless steel or galvanized fixings to prevent it from being weakened or removed from the wall. You can also add security lighting and dusk to dawn motion sensor lights that will scare off any burglars and alert your neighbours to any activity around the house or garden, as a useful extra security measure.
Finally, if you do choose to add some type of security system to your garden, it should be well-marked with warning signs to let the criminals know that they are in for a rough ride. These signs won’t be as effective as a fully-fledged security system but they will still help to deter the more opportunistic burglars.
While you can’t deter all thieves, the right garden fence and added security measures should make your garden a much more difficult target. It’s important to think about what you want from your garden and plan accordingly, taking into account your local weather conditions and your budget.
A fence doesn’t just mark a property line, it can be a visual extension of your home and garden. As such, it needs to frame the landscape in a way that’s pleasing to the eye.
Many homeowners rely on the classic white picket fence for its timeless good looks and versatility, but other garden fence ideas can be equally as appealing. For example, a simple latticework fence can add visual interest to a flower garden and act as a trellis for climbing plants. Or, you can add a gate or doorway to the fence that creates an inviting entrance into the garden.
Some fences work well in a low-maintenance design, such as brushwood fencing made from reeds or twigs, which can blend into the natural surroundings and provide structure for the garden. In addition to enhancing curb appeal, these fences help keep animals and critters away and prevent soil erosion.
More than just a practical necessity, a well-maintained garden fence can increase the value of your home. According to real estate agents, buyers are drawn to homes with a well-kept yard, and attractive garden fences can be a big selling point.
One of the best ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal is to make sure it’s free of weeds and overgrown shrubs. In addition, a freshly applied coat of mulch will instantly elevate the look of your garden. You can also use a fresh coat of paint to your fence to bring out its texture and color or create an artistic statement by covering it with freehand paintings or stencils.
Another affordable and easy-to-do upgrade to your home’s curb appeal is to plant flowers that are easy to maintain, such as tulips, roses or dahlias. A bright splash of color will catch the eye of anyone who walks by or drives past your house, making them want to take a closer look at your home. Adding a seating area, like a bench or rocking chairs to your garden, will encourage neighbors and passersby to sit and enjoy the scenery. Similarly, creating a pond or water feature in your garden will attract attention and give a sense of tranquility to the space.
When properly cared for, garden fences can last for decades. Regular maintenance includes cleaning and treating the surface of the wood, securing loose sections, and repairing any damage that occurs. Taking the time to tackle these tasks regularly can help prevent issues such as rot, insect infestation and structural damage.
A good starting point is a simple garden hose set to the spray nozzle setting, which will remove most of the dirt and grime that accumulates. A scrubbing brush can tackle tougher spots, such as mildew, mould and tree sap. A fungicidal wash may also be necessary to treat problem areas. Once the wood is clean and dry, a water-based stain or preservative can be applied for ongoing protection. Choose a colourless option to maintain the classic grey look, or opt for one that contains a fungicidal agent to provide added defence against the elements.
Wooden fences can be damaged by exposure to sunlight, wind and rain. A quick visual inspection can highlight any rotting or loose boards that need attention, as well as loose nails and screws. If necessary, rotted sections of the wood can be removed and replaced with a similar-looking piece of fencing. If the fence is sagging or leaning, it may be worth adding a turnbuckle support to keep it upright. Loose screws or nails can be tightened using a countersink drill, while small cracks and splits can be fixed by applying waterproof glue and clamping together.
Keeping the ground clear around a garden fence can also improve its lifespan, as it reduces the pressure exerted on the wall by roots or bushes. Any large roots that grow near the fence should be cut back to prevent them from damaging it, while bushes and vines should be kept a safe distance away. In areas that experience high winds, a sagging or damaged garden fence can be a serious safety hazard and will need to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.