Picking the Perfect Landscape Fence

Want to put in a new fence, but unsure which type to choose? No problem. This article will help you explore landscape fence choices and weigh pros and cons for dozens of fences. One of these is just right for your landscape; by the end of this article you’ll have a pretty good idea which fence fits best.

Keep in mind that if you have a large yard and diverse needs you may need two or more fences to meet those needs best.

Determine Landscape "Personality"

Consider what type of fence best fits the characteristics of your property. If you live in an old frame farmhouse, your ideal fence will be quite different from a fence surrounding a home in a busy city. Some people and landscapes favor a rough, rugged, natural look. Others require a neat, tidy, spotless appearance.

No matter your style, a fence is a landscaping tool with a job to do—even if that job is simply ornamental. The key is finding a fence that fits your particular style, purpose and budget.

Identify Fence Uses

Decide exactly why you want a fence. Pinpointing the purpose will help you determine the ideal size of the openings in the fence and the fence height. It's distressing to realize—after spending thousands—that your needs have outgrown your fence.

Often, fences meet several needs simultaneously, such as a front yard picket that attractively defines your landscape, shades petunias in the afternoon and keeps the neighbor’s poodle off the lawn. If you haven’t given your fence’s future uses much thought, here are some options to consider. A fence can: 

• Embellish your landscape or define your property line
• Act as a brace for garden vines, such as roses or grapes
• Keep children or pets contained and safe
• Act as a partial or full privacy barrier
• Block or partially block wind and sunlight
• Muffle sound from a busy street
• Keep large animals in a pasture, such as horses
• Restrict wildlife access to your property, such as deer

Decide which uses are most important for your property, then read on.

Consider Landscape Maintenance

Like your home’s exterior, a landscape fence can be maintenance-free or require hours of labor every few years. Painting a wooden fence or rust proofing an iron one can gobble up your golf time.

The good news? With the myriad of fencing options available, you can achieve just about any look - from polished to pastoral - yet still enjoy a maintenance-free fence. And these fences aren’t all vinyl look-a-likes; surprisingly, some of the most rustic wood fences require no maintenance. Click to view photos, pros and cons for low-maintenance landscape fences.

The ambiance of a true wood ranch or picket fence can’t truly be duplicated; if you don’t mind fence maintenance, click to view photos, pros and cons for traditional landscape fences.

For more landscape tips and information, you’ll want to read our other articles: Landscaping on a Budget, Landscaping—Where to Start, The Do's and Don'ts of Sprinkler Systems and Green Landscaping: Eco-Friendly Ideas.

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