Fencing is an integral part of any gardening project. They border garden edges, secure your house from any prying eyes and can even add value to your property if you choose to use a good quality supplier of fence panels.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is the privacy they afford. Your garden is your own sanctuary in which to relax and entertain. If you are living on a busy street, fences are particularly useful in sheltering your house from the hundreds of passers-by.
If you’re planning on putting up some fences in your garden, here are some things you need to consider.
Decide on how tall you want your fences to be
Depending on the size of your garden or the location of your house, you need to make sure that your fence offers the amount of privacy you want. Most fences stand at 6ft high, but this might not be enough if you catch your neighbours peeking in from their balcony.
Make a prototype with cardboard to find out how high you need your fence to be. If there is simply no height that suits your purposes, consider planting some tall, dense trees to protect your house from onlookers.
Check if you need planning permission
You don’t want to build your fence only to be forced to tear it down by the city council. Every city has its own rules regarding fences and most require you to have a permit before you can start to build.
You will receive a copy of the rules and regulations along with your application. Read these carefully to make sure your fence complies with height restrictions and doesn’t intrude on sidewalks and roads.
Find your property lines before you build
Don’t anger your neighbours by accidentally building your fence in their property. Start plotting your fence by finding out where your property lines are. A metal detector will identify where the property stakes are and where yours ends and the next begins.
Not all properties are in a straightforward square or rectangular shape; some can take unusual shapes. Once you’re found the metal stakes, push in your wooden stakes above them and form your fence line.
Plan for fence gates
Make sure you can access your house easily with some wide fence gates that can accommodate vehicles and lawnmowers. It’s extra work but you’ll thank yourself later.
