There are many reasons why you might want to erect a fence on your property and the reason you want a fence will have a significant impact on the type of fencing that’s selected. It’s a good idea to consult with a fencing professional before making any decisions.

There’s an array of new fencing options of which you may not be aware that are beautiful and effective alternatives to traditional materials. What you want to accomplish with the fence will also be important. The following are the top five reasons that you may want to consider adding a fence to your landscape.

Boundaries

Fencing is an excellent way to establish boundaries and prevent trespassing. Accidental trespassing is quite common. Fences are also effective in deterring incursions by neighbors that don’t respect property lines.

Curb Appeal

Whether you’re planning on selling your home or living in it for many years, you may want to erect a fence for the beautification factor. In those instances, the aesthetics of the materials and design are of paramount importance to frame the property and display it to its best advantage. Fences are also great for concealing unattractive elements on the property ranging from generators and air conditioning units to trash cans and utility boxes.

Safety

A fence is an excellent safety measure if you have children or pets, providing them with a safe space to play. It keeps them from accidentally wandering into outdoor dangers such as pools, ponds, cliffs, and dangerous embankments.

Security

Whether it’s teens using your yard as a shortcut or an individual intent on burglary or other mayhem, a fence provides a security barrier. Fences also keep dangerous wildlife or domestic animals from wandering into the yard.

Privacy

The distance between homes is decreasing and privacy is at a premium. A fence prevents neighbors and passersby from peering into your yard or eavesdropping on conversations. Fencing frees families and enables them to be themselves while outdoors.

Decorating for the holidays is a great American pastime and holiday displays are becoming more elaborate every year. As much fun as it is celebrating the season, holiday decorating also accounts for numerous injuries and fires each year. Rule #1 of holiday decorating is to always have a fire extinguisher handy. The following tips are essential for safe decorating.

Candles

Always keep candles on a sturdy base that can’t be easily tipped over and never place them anywhere near flammable objects. Candles should always be monitored and never left burning if there’s no one in the room or at home. A good alternative are electric candles that aren’t reliant upon an open flame.

Cords

Using extension cords can increase the risk of fires. A home’s wiring can quickly become overwhelmed with the extra drain on the system. If breakers or fuses begin to trip it’s a good indication that electrical circuits are being overloaded.

Fake Food

A variety of plastic food and candy items are used for decorations during the holidays. Some are even enticingly scented. The fake food can be confusing to children and pets, so eliminate them entirely or place them where they’re not accessible to kids and pets.

Lights

Examine any lighted decorations for exposed wires, burned out or missing bulbs, loose connections, or damaged sockets. Throw away any lights that have damaged or frayed wiring. Individual bulbs can be replaced if desired – otherwise, throw them away. Always turn off or cut power to lighted decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.

Ornaments

To prevent injuries, choose unbreakable ornaments. Eliminate ornaments that use ribbons and similar items that children and pets can ingest.

Plants

Many of the traditional holiday plants used for decoration are poisonous to people and pets. Be sure to display them out of reach of young children and pets.

Teamwork

Stringing lights, erecting lawn decorations, and creating rooftop displays should always be done with another person. Don’t work alone. If an accident does occur, the other person can render aid or call 911.

Trees

Keep cut trees well-hydrated. They dry out quickly and can quickly catch fire. They should be kept away from heaters and fireplaces. If placed near furnace ductworks, they can dry out quicker and require more water. If an artificial tree is chosen, make sure it’s fire resistant.

Erecting a fence on your property is more complicated than you may anticipate. There are legal regulations that must be adhered to and permits that will be required. However, the process of installing a fence all begins with knowing the exact location of your property lines.

Installing a fence without knowing where your property lines are can result in legal action by adjacent land owners. Without that knowledge, you can easily find yourself responsible for removing and relocating your freshly erected fence. It can also affect your ability to insure your home.

Check Your Deed

The deed to your property will have a legal description of your property and its boundaries. Older deeds may not include the information and will refer you to an older document. However, older documents may reference landmarks or other features that don’t exist any longer.

Plat Map

A plat map is a document that defines property lines and includes data about structures, elevations, and bodies of water. A plat map may be included as part of your deed and if not, you can view it at the city or county assessor’s office or online in some locales.

Perform a Survey

One of the easiest ways to determine exactly where your property lines are is to have a new survey performed. It’s a very precise measurement that identifies where all existing boundaries are located. The cost of a survey will vary among companies licensed to do the task.

Stakes and Markers

When a survey of your property was made, the survey company will have left a wooden stake or metal marker to mark the boundaries. If that marker is still available, you can tell where your property lines lie. The markers may be flush with the ground or sticking up several inches above the ground.

If you like trees and want to add them to your landscape, there are numerous things to consider before actually planting if the tree will be located near a fence. It doesn’t matter whether the fence is yours or your neighbors – the same considerations will apply.

Space

The space you need for planting will definitely be a factor. For younger trees, you’ll need enough room to dig a hole that’s at least twice the size of the root ball. The hole will also need to be deep enough so the tree’s root system will fit entirely within it. If it’s an older tree, to adhere to those conditions you may have to plant it several feet away from the fence.

Mature Attributes

You’ll definitely have to consider the attributes of the tree when it’s mature. Those include height, the width of the crown, and if it has a drooping or weeping growth habit. There may come a time when it interferes with overhead utilities if it has a significant height or damage it might cause to the fence if it doesn’t withstand storms or high winds easily.

Trees that produce blossoms in the spring, fruit in the summer, or drops its leaves in the autumn can result in some very messy, expensive, and time-consuming cleanup. Heavy or sticky fruits can cause injuries and damage homes, fences, and vehicles. Another consideration is the sturdiness of branches. Some trees are more prone to limb breakage than others and can easily destroy a fence.

Roots

Some trees never expose their roots, while others may have shallower roots that grow partly above the surface. It can make mowing difficult and dangerous. Those same roots can destroy foundations, driveways, sidewalks, and brickwork. Roots also have the potential for disrupting underground utilities.

Right of Way

No tree should interfere with the right of way to access a property. If an easement of the property is involved, you may or may not be legally allowed to plant within certain areas.

Function

What you want to accomplish with the tree is important. You may want shade, privacy, or beautification. It’s best to consult with a landscape professional who can guide you on the types of trees available that will serve your needs and won’t be detrimental to any surrounding features.

Fencing has played a roll in safety and beautification of properties for centuries. In the beginning, there was only wood, rock or metal in its most basic forms. Today, individuals have access to an extensive range of modern materials made possible through technological advances that provide greater durability while remaining aesthetically pleasing.

Wood

Individuals can still choose wood for their fencing needs. The difference is that new treatments have been developed that can be applied to ward off insects and protect against rot. In this instance, the wood hasn’t changed but the methods to extend durability has.

Metal

Powder coatings and sealants for anti-weathering protection have extended the lifespan of metal fencing. In the case of chain link, newer and more lightweight materials, combined with the practice of dipping the metal in steel, has made the fencing more cost effective while improving durability. Wrought iron is popular for fencing, but it’s more typically constructed of an iron core surrounded by a steel polymer. That polymer makes the metal resistant to UV rays and rain.

PVC/Vinyl

The development of pvc/vinyl fencing in 1981 created one of the most enduring alternatives to wood. The technology available enables it to appear as wood or stone and it’s a popular substitute since it won’t warp like wood. New manufacturing techniques enable it to be produced more cost effectively. Some manufacturers even provide lifetime warranties on their pvc/vinyl fencing since it doesn’t peel, crack or chip and its resistant to pests, mold and mildew.

SimTek®

A relatively new addition to the fencing industry, SimTek® has quickly become one of the most preferred materials for fencing in multiple environments. It’s an eco-friendly solution that combines plastic and galvanized steel. It can withstand hurricane winds, is impact resistant, blocks sound, and it’s available in textures that mimic wood and stone. In terms of maintenance, it simply needs to be hosed down to remove dust and dirt.

Installing a fence is more difficult than most people anticipate. Many begin a fence installation as a DIY project, only to discover that it’s turned into a multi-weekend project that feels overwhelming. The importance of hiring a fence professional can’t be overstated for speed, accuracy, and quality.

Expertise and Experience

A fencing professional will have performed numerous installations under a variety of conditions and in multiple types of landscapes. A professional will ensure that the fence is straight, level, and doesn’t encroach on the neighbor’s property line.

Tools

It requires more than a shovel or a posthole digger to erect a fence. There are specialized tools involved that a professional fence contractor uses regularly and with which they’re familiar that will ensure the job progresses faster.

Rules and Regulations

Each municipality has its own guidelines with which fences must comply and state mandates may also come into play. A fence professional will be cognizant of all the prevailing laws and will be able to obtain the obligatory permits required.

The Right Fence

A professional will be able to help clients choose the best fence for their needs. They’ll be able to introduce individuals to the different types of materials available that will achieve the intended goals and that will also provide an appealing aesthetic.

Quality

Hiring a fence professional will ensure that clients receive high-quality workmanship and quality fencing. As professionals, they’ll be licensed, certified, and if any problems arise they will make the needed changes or alterations at no additional charge.

Cost Savings

Last but not least is the savings that hiring a professional provides. They already have access to the needed tools, saving clients the cost of renting them or buying items that will only be used once. Their expertise and experience will prevent problems and costly mistakes. It also means clients will avoid the potential for expensive legal issues.

Privacy and beauty aren’t mutually exclusive with the modern fencing options available. There are multiple materials and styles of fencing that are fully capable of meeting both requirements and each comes with its own range of additional benefits.

Chain Link

Chain link fencing is typically known for its security benefits, but it can also provide privacy and beauty when paired with climbing vines or shrubbery. There are also privacy slats designed specifically for chain link that effectively blocks the view from the outside of the fencing. The slats are available in an array of different colors to accommodate any property stylings. The slats are resistant to UV rays and adverse weather conditions for a colorful and tasteful privacy solution.

PVC/Vinyl

Available in a myriad of colors, styles, and textures, it’s sturdy and durable. The fencing has a wide variety of customization options, requires little or no maintenance, and it’s resistant to weather, UV rays, and hurricane condition winds. With over 30 decorative options from which to choose, it’s a stylish way to obtain much needed privacy and doesn’t splinter, rot, chip or peel.

SimTek®

One of the most aesthetically pleasing options, SimTek® is also an eco-friendly material that provides the realistic look, texture, and appearance of wood, stone or granite. It provides the beauty that individuals want and creates a solid wall of privacy that’s also maintenance free. SimTek® is a highly effective barrier for muffling sounds and has a superior wind rating. It’s engineered to withstand wind gusts of up to 115 mph.

Wood

A wood fence is no longer the plain stockade type fence of the past. Today’s wood fences feature a wide variety of decorative touches encompassing lattice work, panels accentuated with a wrought iron style metal, and custom designs. Multiple types of wood are available from which to choose, ranging from cypress and redwood to cedar and even bamboo.

Chain link fences are a staple as a security option, but they may not fit the aesthetic of a neighborhood or the prevailing architectural style. However, there are ways to dress up a chain-link fence to make it more appealing and enhance privacy. The methods are more affordable than installing a new fence, but they’re not nearly as pretty and don’t afford the same level of privacy.

Slats

One of the easiest solutions is the installation of slats – sometimes called tube slats – specifically designed for chain link fences. They’re offered in a rainbow of colors and a couple of different styles. The slats improve privacy by about 75 percent, but don’t create a solid barrier. Small spaces between the slats will remain.

Plants

Individuals can plant vines and allow them to twine among the spaces in the fence. Flowering vines add beauty, but it will take time for the plants to accomplish their goal. Vines won’t eliminate small areas where people could peer in. The same problem exists when installing bushes and shrubs. The plantings will require time to mature, but they offer better coverage for privacy than vines.

Rolled Bamboo

Rolls of bamboo fencing/screens can be purchased and wired directly to the fence. It’s not particularly pretty, but it will elevate the level of privacy by approximately 85 percent.

Mesh Screen

These have the advantage of being wind and water permeable. They’re not necessarily the most attractive option, but privacy can be improved by 80-96 percent, depending on the density of the mesh. It’s available in different colors.

Wood Panels

There are wood panels that can be attached directly to chain link that will create a beautiful facade and provide privacy. However, permits may be required as it may be classified as an entirely new fence installation by local municipalities.

Canvas Fabric

The least aesthetically pleasing option, some individuals simply wire canvas fabric to their chain link fence. It’s available in multiple colors and will solve the problem of privacy, but it’s far from a pretty solution.

Fences are wonderful constructions that provide privacy, security, buffer outside noises, and beautify properties. They can look great for many years, but they’re also prone to some common problems of which people may not be aware until they occur. The following are the top 5 most common fence problems individuals may experience.

Sagging and Leaning

Many fencing materials are susceptible to sagging and leaning, particularly if it was a DIY installation. Fences that are erected in locations subject to high winds are at an increased risk of problems. Poor drainage and other soil conditions can rot and weaken fence posts, making them unable to support the weight of the fence.

Mold and Mildew

Both situations result in unsightly stains that ruin the appearance. Depending upon the material used, it can eventually lead to the degradation of the posts and fence.

Insects

There are multiple types of insect pests that will attack wood fencing. Their boring and breeding habits leave the wood vulnerable to the elements and rot. When they tire of the fence, they may move on to houses and outbuildings.

Boards, Pickets and Panels

Wind, insects, falling limbs, and failing hardware are all problems that can result in the loss of fence boards, pickets and panels.

Property Lines, Laws and Neighbors

Those three ingredients can cause more problems with fencing than all the others combined. It’s essential that individuals know exactly where their property lines are before any fence installation can commence. There are numerous rules, regulations and laws that will apply to fences ranging from heights, materials and styles depending where an individual is located. Permits will need to be obtained prior to installation.

It’s always a good idea to let neighbors know a fence will be going up. They may have a laundry list of concerns, complaints and objections since they may be responsible for a portion of its upkeep.

Hire a Professional

The top 5 problems with fencing are all reason to hire a professional fence installer. They can’t prevent disputes with neighbors, but they can help with selecting the best fencing for the client’s needs, will be cognizant of local fence regulations, and can obtain needed permits. A fencing expert can even assist individuals in determining where their property line lies and is experienced in installations in all types of soils.

Homeowners insurance will typically cover the cost of a damaged fence, but it will depend largely on how the damage was caused. Fence damage may fall under the “other structures” coverage of the policy and may be limited to damage that occurs as a result of vandalism or storms. It’s essential that individuals understand their policies and what it covers.

There may also be monetary limits attached to the amount of coverage provided in the form of percentages. Flood damage is typically excluded from standard coverage policies. Damage resulting from earthquakes is also excluded, even though Florida is tied with North Dakota for the fewest number of earthquakes. An earthquake is Florida is rare, but they have occurred.

Sinkholes are a very real concern for Florida residents and companies are required to offer catastrophic ground cover collapse. However, the coverage is only available as an add-on to an existing policy and individuals will incur additional costs for the coverage.

Fences can be exposed to a variety of damaging conditions and situations. While many of those may inflict damage that mars the cosmetic appearance of the fence, they won’t be covered by homeowners insurance. Fences can be struck by debris from lawn mowers, children driving “ride-on” vehicles, and landscaping mishaps – those aren’t covered. Fences afflicted with mold, fungi, insects, and normal wear and tear aren’t covered, either.

While a car crashing into a fence doesn’t happen very often, if one does damage a fence the homeowner’s policy should cover it. Individuals will also have the option of filing a claim against the driver’s auto insurance, assuming that the driver has an auto owner’s policy.

Trees and limbs falling on a fence from the policy holder’s yard are covered expenses. The insurance company can choose not to cover the damage if it decides the tree or limb fell due to negligence or lack of appropriate maintenance on the part of the homeowner.

If the damage occurs due to a neighbor’s tree, the insurance company may hold the neighbor responsible for the entire cost. The company may also choose to split the cost 50-50 between the homeowner and the neighbor, with homeowners paying the deductible.