One of the most overlooked accents is fence lighting. Illuminating your yard can be accomplished through underground wiring, but a quicker and more cost-effective method is solar lighting. The optimal method is to have the lighting included as part of the fence installation. However, you can still enjoy illumination, greater security, and enhanced safety with solar lighting.

Solar Lighting

There are so many different types of solar lighting available, it can be overwhelming. Solar units can be installed on fence caps and hung from brackets from fence posts. They’re offered in a myriad of styles from those that look like coach lights to futuristic designs. Solar lights have the advantage of being an environmentally-friendly choice, can be installed anywhere on any type of fencing, and are extremely low maintenance.

Solar lights add ambiance to outdoor environments. The initial cost will depend on the brand and style of lights chosen, but are less expensive than those that rely on underground wiring. Another advantage is that they work even in a power outage. Solar lights are available in different lumen measurements, depending on how much illumination you desire, and can come equipped with motion sensors. There are even models with rotating colors.

Wired Lighting

Best included in the design plan when the fence is installed, wired lighting is tied into a traditional electrical system and requires the installation of underground wiring. They can be installed with a switch that allows you to turn them on or off as desired.

The disadvantage is that they won’t work if a power outage occurs. Many models are also equipped with motion sensors that turn on and off, even if the lights have been doused. Low-voltage lights are typically utilized as accent lighting for plants and pathways and are equally applicable as fence lighting. You can also use strings of lights – full size or miniatures – as temporary lighting for events and gatherings.

People that want safety fencing for their pet without a visible structure often choose underground fencing. It uses a combination of what manufacturers call a static-like shock in combination with sound as a deterrent.

People have used what’s been called hidden fencing to keep their pets contained for years. Old-style fencing worked via a transmitter collar or a sensor attached to the dog’s regular collar. When the dog neared the boundary, the sensor or collar gave the dog a shock as a form of aversion training. Dogs trained this way with the old-fashioned shock fencing often displayed fear and behavioral problems.

The new evolution of hidden fencing emits an audible warning sound and a “static” shock as a deterrent. Manufacturers of the fencing indicate the shock portion of the collar is similar to a static shock a human receives after rubbing their feet across a carpet and then touching metal. It also has multiple shock levels.

The process of teaching the dog his/her boundary begins with small flags that are placed in the ground along the underground cable as a visual clue to the canine. Once the dog has learned where the boundaries are, the flags can be removed.

The problems that people encounter with underground fencing is that it requires a time investment to train the dog rather than simply turning them loose and letting the collar shock them into submission. Depending upon the canine, that can take time that some people are unwilling to expend. However, some companies install the fencing and a pet trainer provides initial training.

Hidden fences are viewed as a convenient way to keep pets safe in their own yard. The downside is that it won’t prevent someone from coming into the yard and stealing the dog, a crime that happens far more often than people know. As a thief is taking the dog across the underground boundary, the canine will experience a significant amount of distress and pain.

Fencing for horses has advanced beyond being simply utilitarian. While barbed wire is still used in a variety of locations, it’s dangerous and causes serious injuries to horses every year. Modern technology has provided individuals with a wealth of options that provide essential safety for equines that’s also attractive and cost effective.

Mesh Wire

Strong and durable, wire mesh is available in diamond and square knot options. The fencing is made of steel and attached to wooden or metal uprights and top bars. The mesh is small enough that horses can’t get their hooves stuck in it and provides a resilient surface. It’s sometimes referred to as diamond mesh, chain wire and hurricane fencing. It requires little maintenance when constructed with metal uprights and top bars, and deters horses from climbing. The fencing can be installed in multiple heights that also acts as an intruder and predator deterrent.

Wood Rail

Some people still prefer the look of a painted wood fence, but it’s also a high maintenance option. It’s subject to insect predation, mold and weathering, will need periodic painting, and offers little protection against predators or intruders. Wood fences are also subject to cribbing from horses and both individual rails and posts can require replacing.

Vinyl

The material is strong, durable and attractive. It doesn’t require painting, offers good visibility and has the appearance of a rail fence. The fencing is constructed of steel wires encased in vinyl that will require periodic tightening.

PVC

The fencing provides beauty, safety, and a low maintenance solution. UV stabilizers in the PVC ensures no fading or discoloration. Impact and weather resistant, it will last for many years without cracking, peeling or chipping. It provides an attractive rail fence appearance, but without the upkeep. The fencing offers the same look as the stately fencing seen at premiere horse farms in Kentucky.

Installing a fence doesn’t mean that people have to give up on greenery. There are a variety of plantings that complement fences. The most common reason people want plants next to their fence is to camouflage it, particularly if it’s chain link fencing.

However, individuals may also want to hide fencing that has become weather worn, if they don’t want to paint or stain it, or if they don’t want to replace it. There are numerous plants that enable people to hide their fence and enjoy a wealth of blossoms using the fencing as a support.

Vines

When it comes to fences, vines are the most often selected solution, especially those that twine rather than lean. Bleeding heart vine is a fast grower with white or red flowers but it’s not a rampant grower. The Queen’s Wreath Vine produces cascading purple flowers, blooms off and on all summer, but needs trimming to keep in contained. Pandora vine has pale pink flowers with a rose-colored center, light scent, and can be trained to form a small bush.

Bushes and Hedges

A unique choice near fences are cycads. They’ve been around since the time of the dinosaurs, come in a multitude of sizes, shapes and heights, along with a distinctive appearance. They’re highly valued for their attractiveness, rarity and add value to properties. These descendants of ancient species are sure to cause a sensation.

Hibiscus, which includes Rose of Sharon, loves the South Florida climate. They’re tolerant of heat, humidity, poor soil, air pollution and drought. Flower colors include red, blue, lavender, pink, white and bi-colors. They’re available in single and double flowering varieties.

Small Trees

People that prefer small trees to hide their fence can choose from Jelly King Crab that grows to 13 ft., redbud that grows to 10 ft., wintersweet that can grow up to 15 ft., and dwarf chestnut oaks that grow to a maximum of 20 ft. Many varieties produce blossoms in colors ranging from red and pink to yellow and white, and provide a source of food for birds, bees and butterflies.