For many years, a home with white picket fence came to symbolize achievement of the American Dream. The image was first used in the 1940s and was immortalized in TV and film as the perfect accompaniment to wealth and success. Part of its popularity was psychological, representing safety and stability in response to the ravages of World War II.

Once considered a status symbol, the prevailing attitude toward the barrier has undergone a change and it’s now often viewed as a stylized version of perfection that doesn’t exist with somewhat creepy connotations. However, the innocent picket fence of Americana has darker origins.

Before coming to colonial America, the pickets of the fence – the upright “sticks” – were logs that were sharpened to a point and inserted into the ground. They were used to repel ground attacks and shield archers. They were known by the French word piquet. Pickets were one of the earliest defenses used in ancient times to protect against marauding tribes.

Early colonists also used pickets to frame their land and protect against encroachment by Native American tribes, bandits, and eventually troops sent by the King of England to quell the colonists’ rebellion. They were further used to defend against opposing troops during the Spanish-American War and the country’s Civil War.

White paint was cheap and to dress up the fences, early Americans began painting them white or using a mixture of lime and water to color them and act as a wood preservative. The white picket fence began to lose ground to chain link fencing in the 1950s as the Cold War arrived, but enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the 1980s.

The fencing also began to obtain a creepy connotation in response to several films that portrayed them as part of a regimented lifestyle that demanded the masses conform. For many, the white picket fence remains a symbol of those that prefer to live in a “perfect” world, blind to the realities of life.

The white picket fence is a simple barrier, but its impact on the U.S. was huge. It continues to be popular fencing option for keeping children and pets safely within their own yards. It’s typically lower than other types of fencing, thereby encouraging neighborly interaction and conversation. Love it or hate it, the white picket fence has become indelibly imprinted on the psyche as a uniquely American icon.

Creating a pet proof backyard entails more than just ensuring a pet can’t get out. It must also incorporate elements to keep roaming pets out, along with the wide variety of wildlife that could potentially enter. There’s also a multitude of factors that most people don’t consider, but are essential for keeping a dog safe from harm.

Chemicals

Canines should be kept away from lawns and plants that have been treated with fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides. Even the residue can result in a toxic response and fertilizers can burn the pads on a pet’s feet.

Clean the Premises

Damp, dark and debris-filled areas are prime real estate for fleas, mosquitoes and other pests. It’s a good idea to regularly clean doghouses and wash blankets or beds dogs use. Sweeping decks, porches and patios will help keep down pests. Don’t forget to address outdoor structures and storage sheds, along with the undersides of porches and decks.

Fencing

The enclosure will require a fencing option that the canine can’t climb, jump over, or dig under. From raccoons and deer to coyotes and the potential for an occasional panther, the barrier must also prevent wild or stray animals from squeezing through slats or panels, depending upon the style of fence that’s selected. Inspect the fence regularly for weak spots.

Another area where fencing will be critical is the pool. An estimated 5,000 canines die each year from pool-related accidents. Dogs don’t intuitively know how to get out of a pool. There are no guarantees, even with dogs that have undergone training to recognize steps and they may be unable to climb a ladder.

Mow Often

Fleas, ticks and other parasites live in grass and the longer the grass, the bigger the risk that they’ll hitch a ride on your pet and eventually into the house.

Plants

Dogs like to dig, chew, and roll around in greenery. Some types of flowers and bushes are poisonous to dogs, such as amaryllis, azaleas, daffodils, and tulips. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian on poisonous plants. Owners should be prepared to remove existing plants that are toxic and use extreme caution when installing new plantings.

Trash and Recycling

Dogs are naturally curious. They’ll delve into trash cans and recycling containers not understanding the potential for danger such as chocolate or chicken bones. Don’t store trash, recycling containers, antifreeze, cleaning supplies or any type of chemicals where pets can reach them. Antifreeze is deadly to pets.

Water and Shade

Hydration and a shady spot to rest are as important to dogs as it is to their human companions. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times and there should be enough shade plants that enable dogs to get out of direct sun at any time of the day as the sun moves across the sky. Dogs experience dehydration and heat sickness just as their human counterparts and can even die without appropriate shade.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, you want to get the best value for your money. The longevity of your fence will depend on a multiple elements. You’ll have to compare costs and contrast them against factors such as materials, intended purpose, aesthetic value, and ability to customize.

Wood

The longevity of a wood fence will depend largely on the type of wood used in its construction. Untreated cedar will last anywhere from 15-30 years, spruce can endure for 4-7 years, while pine can weather the elements for 5-12 years. Treated cedar can last 25-40 years, and treated spruce and pine can last for up to 20 years.

Even the treated wood utilized in today’s fencing is subject to moisture from the ground and weather. Wood fences should be inspected regularly for splitting, splintering and rusting of hardware. The wood can also be stained or painted to accommodate its surroundings.

Chain Link

Cost effective and easily installed, a chain link fence will serve its purpose for about 20 years, a vinyl coating will extend its lifespan by several years, and it won’t rust. Chain link offers security and requires little maintenance, but doesn’t provide privacy. Color options are limited and doesn’t allow for much customization.

Aluminum

An aluminum fence is durable, doesn’t rust, and can be customized. It’s available in an array of colors and provides security. Aluminum fencing can last for 20 years with almost no maintenance. It’s an elegant and stately look that adds value to any property.

PVC

The average lifespan of a PVC fence is 20-30 years and many come with a lifetime warranty. PVC fencing is fire-resistant, won’t attract pests, and is unaffected by weather and UV rays. Over 30 decorative and unique options are offered, it requires very little maintenance, and it’s available in a myriad of colors. It doesn’t rot, won’t attract pests, and is non-toxic. PVC fencing is also recyclable.

SimTek®

This is the king when it comes to style, texture and color options, and will last about 25 years on average. It resembles the look of stone and wood grains. SimTek® is resistant to impacts, is noise dampening, and provides security. It’s one of the most durable fencing materials offered and almost completely maintenance free. It’s able to withstand hurricane force winds of up to 110 mph and gusts up to 130. It’s unaffected by sun and extreme temperatures.

Homeowners have a variety of choices when selecting fencing for their homes and there are multiple factors to consider. It has to meet your specific needs, but it must also conform to any local laws and regulations. You’ll want a fence that fits in with the character of your home and the neighborhood and your particular lifestyle.

There are also maintenance requirements to consider. Depending on the material, some need periodic painting, while others are almost maintenance free. The slope of your property will affect the installation of the fencing and its cost. People install fencing for one of several reasons that include:

• Privacy
• Security
• Protect and contain children and pets
• Safety from falling into pools or off bluffs and cliffs
• Enhance property values
• Establish boundaries
• Conceal trash cans, generators or central air units
• Dampen road noises
• Stop encroaching weeds

The reason for installing your fence will have an impact on the type of fencing you choose. Chain link fencing is great for containing children and pets, but it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as aluminum fencing. Chain link and aluminum fencing enable kids, pets and homeowners to see through it and into the outside world.

Aluminum and chain-link requires very little maintenance and are handy for marking property boundaries and preventing individuals from approaching dangerous areas. Either type is appropriate for security concerns and to prevent trespassing.

SimTek and PVC fencing provide a solid barrier against road noises, provide security and privacy, and delineate boundaries. They’re also ideal on a small scale for concealing unsightly trash cans or valuable generators and central air units. Available in multiple colors and styles, they’re almost maintenance free. The fencing is effective for stopping most encroaching weeds.

Traditional wood fencing can be erected as a solid barrier or with small spaces between the boards. They can be painted or stained and the hardware should be examined regularly.

The most important step before contacting a fencing specialist is to determine why you want a fence. Once that’s decided, your fencing specialist can assist you with the type that best fit your needs.