Space is a premium these days, so many people who buy homes find themselves unusually close to their neighbors. While relationships may be cordial and shared spaces may be acceptable, there are times when you want some room to yourself. You want to enjoy some sunshine or relax in your own yard without worrying about prying eyes.
At such times, a fence is a good solution to your property woes. There are many fencing options, but to maximize your privacy, you probably want a fence that’s opaque. The two main choices are a live hedge or a wood panel fence. Each one has its benefits and downsides, so the decision comes down to your personal preference.
Both fences and shrubbery deter peeping toms by obstructing their view. They also provide a sound barrier that mutes external noises and keeps your own music and conversation private. They add a touch of beauty and style to your home, while tastefully marking your territory. They can raise your property value as well, and serve as a landmark to guests and neighborhood visitors. They buffer harsh winds and block out dust and debris from outside.
Wood fences are low maintenance, or more accurately, no maintenance. Once the fence is installed, it needs no further attention. If you choose a white fence, you’ll probably need a fresh coat of paint every once in a while, but if you choose an earthy tone for your fence, it won’t really need painting. You can also top your fence with a clear coat of varnish to give it an extra glossy shine and make it easier to clean.
You don’t actually need to clean a fence, but if you’re particularly keen on cleanliness, you can wipe off the dust or simply hose it down and let it dry. Shrubbery needs a lot more attention. Before you begin, you’ll have to prepare the soil, and as your hedge grows, it needs to be fertilized and weeded. Once it grows, you have to prune it periodically, and if it sheds into your neighbor’s yard, you’ll have to take care of that as well.
Plus, being a living thing, your hedge will soon become a home to birds, insects, and small animals. This means you may have to spray your hedge, not just to stop plant infections, but also to control the living population. In case your hedge starts to house more troublesome pests like snakes or raccoons, you may have to call in animal control.
Shrubbery needs to be watered regularly, which can raise your utility costs. On the upside, it cleanses the air, making your yard fresher and more oxygenated. This is great for your health and gives your yard amazing atmosphere and a cool, green ambience.
Wood fences are expensive at the outset because you have to buy the planks and pay for installation. You could probably cut costs by putting up the fence yourself, but before you commit, make sure you have the skills to do it effectively. Otherwise, you may have a fence that collapses at the slightest breeze. The cost of your fence will depend on the length since pricing is usually calculated per meter, or based on the number of panels used.
Shrubbery, on the other hand, will cost less initially, since you will buy small seedlings and stake them to protect them as they grow. But over the years, the cost of watering, pruning, weeding, and spraying can pile up. Also, hedges occupy a lot of physical space in comparison to fences, so if you’re in an area where every inch is disputed you’re safer with a fence.
Whichever form of fencing manufacturers you select, you’ll probably have to check in with your neighbor, which is a little ironic since the whole point of the fence is that you no longer have to. In some residential areas, there are rules about what kind of fence you can put up, its color, height, and material. To make life easier, let your neighbor know what your fencing plans are. They probably won’t mind, as long as you don’t expect them to chip in.
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