Don’t Think You Need a Fence? Think Again.

Fences instantly add aesthetic appeal to the home, but for most, that is not enough to justify the time, energy, and cost of installation. In most cases, a strong need triggers the decision to build a new fence. If you’re on the fence about fencing in your yard, here are the top reasons you should consider putting one in:
1. The whole neighborhood knows what you’re doing.
Privacy is one of the most common reasons for installing a fence. If you have an open or especially large yard, it can be hard to enjoy it when everyone on the street has a clear view to the back of your house. The typical fence can carve out a peaceful, private sanctuary in any neighborhood. For best results, select a solid style fence with no spaces between the boards.
2. Your possessions lie unprotected.
Your back and front yards should be extensions of your home – a safe place for you, your family, and your belongings. Whether you’re breaking out the grill for BBQ season or just storing something outside for the night, adding a fence is a great way to introduce an extra layer of protection to your property.
3. Road noise is becoming a serious nuisance.
If your house is near a busy street or highway, it can be extremely difficult to find some peace and quiet. Installing a fence that borders your yard will play a huge part in cutting down roadside noise.
4. Your neighbor isn’t respecting your boundaries.
If your neighbor is causing problems, what do you do? While not everyone has this issue, just about everyone knows someone who does: The unsavory neighbor.
It could be a messy yard, a collector of “stuff,” the busybody or a roaming dog. You may have an issue of a more serious nature or just want a little privacy for entertaining. Whatever the issue it’s always best to talk about problems that arise as soon as possible.
Being honest and upfront is always the best policy, but that doesn’t always work. If you and your neighbor can’t reach a compromise, installing fence is a reasonable course of action. Of course, depending on your neighbor, this may seem as if you are taking an aggressive stance. But if handled properly, your neighbor may come to see the benefits for them personally.
In fact, when you broach the subject, consider installing a “good neighbor” fence that looks equally attractive from both sides.
5. Your garden has become a main food source for late-night critters.
Prime gardening season is upon us, but wild animals can put a serious damper on your harvest. Installing a protective fence can safeguard your produce from these bandits.
6. Your old fence is falling down on the job.
Unfortunately, some homeowners inherit fences that may not have been correctly installed or protected against inclement weather. Cracking or rotting wood fence boards can signal a fence at the end of its usefulness, and nobody wants crooked nails or jagged splinters where children or pets could get hurt. Old fence boards or posts experiencing this level of wear should be replaced as soon as possible, but if it’s just too late, ripping out an old fence and installing a new one is the best way to restore your yard to its former glory.