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By: Charles Kassotis
“Good fences make good neighbors,” wrote a beloved
American poet decades ago. There is some truth in the idea
that some of us function better when we know and respect common
boundaries. This can be especially true when we put up fences
in our lawns and around our property to keep trespassers out
and the children or pets in. Still, it’s not easy choosing
where to put up fencing, the type that will best fit a property,
and the most effective for a particular purpose. Here are
a few tips that might help as you face this particular dilemma.
1. Choose a style that meshes with your property style. For
example, if your home is a Victorian, look for old-fashioned
fencing designs that bring back the days of old, like a white
picket style. Instead of the painted wood framework that quickly
peels and can easily rot, you can now get vinyl fences that
look like traditional wood but will actually hold up much
longer and require little maintenance.
2. Look for fencing that will fit your property structure.
For example, even if you love wrought iron spikes, they may
not look that great on your country farmhouse lawn. Choose
a design that flows with the overall theme of your yard or
lawn. You might want to get a few sample pieces and try them
in various places of your open space to see how they fit.
Or check out images on the Internet and possibly drive around
the neighborhood for some ideas on how to use fencing in creative
ways.
3. Get the type of fencing that serves your purposes. An invisible
dog fence will help to keep your pets from wandering off the
premises. But it will not keep other dogs or animals from
approaching your dog. You may need a chain link fence to prevent
other kids or pets from wandering over your lawn and perhaps
doing damage or causing problems by digging up a flowerbed
or chasing your cats.
4. Decorative fencing adds attractive accents. Consider adding
a wooden rail fence in just a corner of your yard as a focus
point, perhaps accented by clusters of daffodils or mums.
A low vinyl picket fence makes a nice border along the side
of the garage or shed. Use your creativity while shopping
at lawn and garden stores or browsing catalogs to select a
useful or attractive fence that will add to your property’s
value.
Fences can be functional or aesthetic in nature; it’s
really up to you. There are numerous styles, materials, and
designs available today, and you can shop online if you aren’t
able to get out to the stores. Fencing all or part of your
property can help to protect it, discourage intruders, and
make it attractive simultaneously. Don’t overlook fencing
options when planning next year’s lawn or garden.
About the author:
You still have a lot to learn about fences, so why not visit
the Fencing Cart at http://www.fencingcart.com
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