FENCES

The Robert Frost poem "Mending Wall" includes the famous line 'Good fences make good neighbors.' It would probably depend on the type of fence and exact location.

It's mandatory to have a good fence around a swimming pool for safety and liability concerns, and the tasteful use of split-rail fencing can really enhance and define an ornamental landscape planting.

The current 'deer invasion' taking place in our suburbs prevents most gardeners from having much success without using deer fencing or a physical barrier of some sort, while most home gardens have been nibbled and browsed by rabbits, raccoons and other wild animals for decades.

FENCE CONSTRUCTION

Most lumber yards and home centers will provide detailed construction details for building fences. Below are some fence building basics:

Before digging: Make sure you know where your buried utilities are located. In Pennsylvania you need to contact the Pennsylvania One Call System at 1-800-248-1786
Ground contact: Be sure to use wood that's resistant to decay for posts and any other parts in contact with the soil.
Two important tools: 1) You'll need a quality set of "post hole diggers" to dig your holes. 2) One end of a solid steel "digging bar" will help break through rocks, while the other end is later used to tamp soil around the post. Note: Strong shoulder muscles help when using these tools!
Post holes: The old rule of thumb is that for every foot of fence height above the ground, the post should be buried 6-inches below the ground (Example: a 4-foot tall fence has post holes 2-feet deep).
Plumb & straight: As a guide, use a tightly stretched mason's line between two stakes to keep the fence straight during construction. A level should be repeatedly placed on several sides of the post while it is being set to make sure it's plumb.
Soil or concrete: Farmers firmly tamp soil around their fence posts to keep them secure - Locust posts are commonly used on SW Pennsylvania farms due to their natural decay resistance. Other fence construction calls for concrete around the base of the post for added strength. Check your fence supplier's recommendations.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

There are two very important considerations prior to constructing a fence:
1. Know exactly where your property line is, and
2. Check local zoning ordinances to find out what types of fences are permitted.

While talking with homeowners over the past 27 years, we've learned of more long-running neighbor disputes due to property line issues than any other single factor. Our recommendation is to always speak with a neighbor first before proceeding with any sort of work close to a shared property line. 20 minutes of conversation can save you 20 years of animosity!

Building a fence over your property line onto a neighboring property can have strong legal ramifications as well, so be sure you build your fence on your own property. Some states have 'adverse possession' laws that allow property ownership to actually change hands if the adverse use goes on for a set period of time. The same sort of rules apply to driveways. (For more information, check your State laws concerning "adverse possession")

While this stockade fencing is permitted in
some municipalities, it's forbidden in
others. Check your local ordinances
and obtain a Building Permit

Most municipalities have clearly defined limitations on fence height, location and construction. While a solid stockade fence might be allowed in one township, another township might require the fence to be more "open" with alternating open spaces and solid boards. Some ordinances might call for setting the fence back from the property line. In most cases you'll need a Building Permit prior to constructing your fence.

TYPES OF FENCES

Wood fencing:

Split rail (2-rail or 3-rail)
Stockade fence
Board-on-board
Louvered
Picket fence
Lattice

Metal fencing:

Chain link or cyclone fence
Ornate wrought iron
Aluminum fence
Barbed wire
Chicken wire
Electric fence
Wire fences
Deer fencing (10-feet tall is recommended)

brown chain link fence
Brown chain link fencing

Other types of fences:

Vinyl fence
Plastic warning barrier

Vinyl fence

Hardscape pages: