|
|
Decide what you need your
fence to accomplish and then choose the fence accordingly.
"Good fences make good
neighbors," wrote a beloved American poet decades ago. There is some
truth in the idea that some of us function better when we know and
respect common boundaries. This can be especially true when we put
up fences in our lawns and around our property to keep trespassers
out and the children or pets in. Still, it's not easy choosing where
to put up fencing, the type that will best fit a property, and the
most effective for a particular purpose. Here are a few tips that
might help as you face this
particular dilemma.
- Choose a style that meshes
with your property style. For example, if your home is a
Victorian, look for old-fashioned fencing designs that bring
back the days of old, like a white picket style. Instead of the
painted wood framework that quickly peels and can easily rot,
you can now get vinyl fences that look like traditional wood but
will actually hold up much longer and require little
maintenance.
- Look for fencing that will
fit your property structure. For example, even if you love
wrought iron spikes, they may not look that great on your
country farmhouse lawn. Choose a design that flows with the
overall theme of your yard or lawn. You might want to get a few
sample pieces and try them in various places of your open space
to see how they fit. Or check out images
on the Internet and possibly drive around the neighborhood for
some ideas on how to use fencing in creative ways.
- Get the type of fencing that
serves your purposes. An invisible dog fence will help to keep
your pets from wandering off the premises. But it will not keep
other dogs or animals from approaching your dog. You may need a
chain link fence to prevent other kids or pets from wandering
over your lawn and perhaps doing damage or causing problems by
digging up a flowerbed or chasing your cats.
- Decorative fencing adds
attractive accents. Consider adding a wooden rail fence in just
a corner of your yard as a focus point, perhaps accented by
clusters of daffodils or mums. A low vinyl picket fence makes a
nice border along the side of the garage or shed. Use your
creativity while shopping at lawn and garden stores or browsing
catalogs to select a useful or attractive fence that will add to
your property's value.
Fences can be functional or
aesthetic in nature; it's really up to you. There are numerous
styles, materials, and designs available today, and you can shop
online if you aren't able to get out to the stores. Fencing all or
part of your property can help to protect it, discourage intruders,
and make it attractive simultaneously. Don't overlook fencing
options when planning next year's lawn or garden.
|