The fence is an element that’s been around as long as humans have needed to protect themselves and their property. The word fence is derived from a verb that means to defend.
Fencing can be an effective way to keep wildlife off your property, especially if you have livestock. But it’s important to consider where fences are placed and how they impact local ecosystems, especially if you exclude predators such as cats or wolves. The best way to do this is to explore your land and study its habitat: what kind of plants grow there, and how do animals travel between them? For more details, read on Vantaoutdoors.
Then, you can choose the type of fence that will provide the most protection. For example, if you have a pond or stream nearby, avoid placing a fence across it. Water can be a lifeline for thirsty animals, and a fence could deter them from passing through. The same applies to a known migration corridor, such as an animal trail or path.
You may also want to consider whether the terrain is suitable for a fence. Some types of fencing are more difficult to build on a slope, and they can also increase the height an animal must jump to pass over it. You may want to consult a local professional when you are installing your fencing.
In addition to excluding predators from your property, you might also want to protect valuable trees with wire mesh guards. These can be placed a few inches below the soil line and about 2 feet up the trunk. It’s best to check guards regularly, adjusting them to make room for tree growth and checking that they’re securely fastened.
If you have a lot of fruit or berries on your property, consider netting them to prevent birds from stealing them. This is less expensive than a fence, and it will also save you time and effort, as you’ll only need to re-net trees when the fruit ripens.
Fencing can sometimes be harmful to wildlife if it blocks natural movement patterns or changes the behavior of predators. For instance, a fence built in Kenya to block the great wildebeest migration has led to deaths from hunger and dehydration.
Deterring Crime
A fence is a wall, barrier of boards, masonry, rails, panels or any other material erected to enclose space and separate and secure parcels of land. Fences can also refer to the sport of fencing, an art or practice of using swords. A fence is a tool that can help deter crime in neighborhoods. Burglars are less likely to target homes that have a solid fence because it will be more difficult for them to sneak onto the property without being seen by neighbors or passersby. This is why it is important to keep your yard well-maintained and to install motion-sensor lights around your house. You can also keep your neighborhood safe by getting to know your neighbors and joining or starting a community watch program.
A criminal fence is a person or business that knowingly buys stolen goods to sell for profit. These middlemen often buy stolen goods in bulk from thieves and resell them to people who are unaware that the items are stolen. Items sold by a criminal fence can be anything from electronics and jewelry to cars and fine art. In some cases, fences will disassemble a stolen item and sell its individual parts, which makes it harder for the authorities to track them down.
The price that fences pay to thieves depends on the legitimacy of the market rate for each item and the type of item. They will pay casual thieves a lower percentage of the value, while more experienced thieves can command prices up to 50% of an item’s legitimate market rate. Fences are an important part of the criminal supply chain and play a major role in organized crime.
A solid fence may provide burglars with a false sense of security because they are able to hide behind the fence and will not be visible to neighbors or people walking by. This is why it is important to install fences with anti-climbing spikes that will cause a burglar serious pain if they try to scale the fence. These spikes are designed to dig into a burglar’s hands, forcing them to let go of the fence and move on to an easier target.
Adding Value to Your Home
There are a lot of different things you can do to add value to your home. Some of them, like bathroom and kitchen remodels, offer great return on investment. Others, like fences, are less certain. One thing is for sure, though: a well-maintained fence can make your home more appealing to buyers. If a fence isn’t in good shape, or if it doesn’t match your house design, it may actually lower your property value.
The most pressing reason for a homeowner to install a fence is often safety. Families with children or pets are often looking for homes that have a fence so they can keep their kids and animals safe from the street or other people in the neighborhood. They may also be more willing to pay a premium for a home that already has a fence.
Adding a fence to your home can help increase its value, but it’s important to remember that the exact amount you’ll be able to recoup depends on a variety of factors, including the type of fence and the location. For example, a backyard fence is a different type of investment than a front yard fence. Backyard fences tend to be taller and built for privacy, while front yard fences are typically shorter and designed to add curb appeal.
You can also consider the materials used to build your fence, as some types of fences are more valuable than others. For example, a wooden fence can net you 50% of the cost of materials and installation in resale value, while chain link fences will not offer as much.
Lastly, you’ll want to be sure that your fence is located on your property line, as a fence that’s too close to the property line can cause issues for potential future owners who might feel encroached upon by neighbors. If you’re not sure of your property lines, talk to a local surveyor about getting a clearer picture.
Although it’s not a guarantee that you’ll be able to recoup the entire cost of your fence in resale value, many real estate experts agree that a quality-built, well-maintained fence can definitely add value to your home. Just be sure to choose a style that fits with your home’s overall aesthetic and keep it well-maintained throughout the years so that it looks its best when you’re ready to sell.
Adding Privacy
A fence helps add privacy to a backyard. It prevents nosy neighbors from peering into your private outdoor dining experience, or watching you enjoy a family barbecue in your own yard. It also blocks noise from nearby traffic and air compressors. This can make your backyard feel like a quiet oasis for relaxation.
A privacy fence can help increase your property value and curb appeal. It can also deter crime and protect your pets. It can even keep your kids safe from neighborhood children who might otherwise wander off onto your property and get lost.
Having a fence can also be a great selling point for potential buyers. It can give them a sense of safety and security, which makes them more willing to pay more for your home than a similar house without a fence.
However, it’s important to note that the value of a fence increases due to market factors. It’s not always guaranteed that a fence will add value to your property, or that you’ll get more money when you sell your home. It also depends on how well the property is maintained.
If you’re looking for a quick way to create privacy in your backyard, consider using a solid board fence. It’s the quickest option for creating visual buffer and can be installed year-round. However, check local building codes regarding fence heights (and any other restrictions).
For a more natural and eco-friendly way to create privacy for your backyard, consider using a living fence. This landscaping idea involves planting hearty shrubs, bushes, or trees alongside a fence to act as a natural barrier between your backyard and the outside world. Consult a landscaping professional to learn what types of plants would thrive in your area.
Another way to create privacy is to use a bamboo or reed screen to block the view of your backyard. This type of fence is typically secured to a chain link fence with zip ties and has the added benefit of being visually appealing. This type of fence is not as durable as a wooden or iron fence, and it may need to be replaced after two years.
