Planning a garden or yard fence

Garden fencing can be the ideal solution for privacy and security issues in your garden. Fencing can also be a great way to section of various parts of your garden. The right fencing may not only be practical as it can also be attractive.

Before hastily erecting a new fence you will need to check out any local rules and regulations that may be in force and research the options available. With this easy How-To-Guide the perfect fence for your garden is only a few steps away.

Building and planning rules and regulations
In the UK there are various building rules and regulations and some may apply when you want to erect a new fence. On the whole you do not need planning permission as long as your fence is within a specified height. It partly also depends on how far away from the boundary of your property you are going to erect a fence. Fences or walls that adjoin a road or street have to be lower.

As a general rule fences must not be:

• More than 2m high.
• No more than 1m high If they adjoin a highway.

Residents in the USA will need to check their zoning laws.

The rules may be less stringent than in the UK but it would be as well to check. As a rule fences up to 6ft high are allowed.

​However there may be some community restrictions based on the possible appearance of your fence.

Research your local rules, regulations and by-laws for any variances.

Neighbours
It is sometimes agreed that the fence or wall at the right of the property belongs to the household whereas the one to the left belongs to the neighbour. However, it is not always that simple.

If your neighbour has erected a fence at both sides of his property before you move in you, cannot simply remove it. You will need to seek agreement with all concerned. If you do not neighbour relations may be difficult to say the least.

You can erect a fence at your side off the fence which hides the neighbour's fence if preferred. When you are planning your fence consult your neighbours if appropriate. This can ensure that there will be no bad feeling if, for instance, you block off part of their natural light.

A neighbour may be happy to share the cost of an adjoining fence as long as it meets with their approval.

The purpose of the fence
Think about the purpose of your fence. If it is simply needed to improve security it will need to be substantial. If you will need to allow light to pass through you will need a fence that has wood spaced out. Perhaps you want to grow rambling roses or fruit on your fence and so a trellis may be a necessity. There are so many options but it does depend upon your needs.

How to plan a fence
Once you have done the background work start to plan your fence.

• Draw a basic plan of your garden and or take a few photos. The photos will help you see what plants or trees may be affected by your plans. On the plan make sure that you add measurements and the location of any electrics or water pipes. These could cause you problems as you install your fence.
• Research the Internet for fences. Now that you know your specific needs it should be easy to find the perfect fence.
• Cost out the project. Remember to include extras such as delivery charges, fence posts and the like. If you are paying someone to erect the fence you will need to include these costs. Perhaps you could do some of the digging work and taking down of any old fences yourself, in order to reduce the costs.
• Bear in mind that, the higher the fence will be from the ground, will determine how deep the fence posts and supports need to be.
• Solid fences or fence panels will offer the best privacy but may leave plants and trees with poor levels of light. This will not matter for plants such as lilacs. It could be a problem for your neighbours though.
• Adding intruder deterrents such as nails to the top of a fence may be against the law. They may also hurt animals and birds.
• If you simply want to section off parts of your garden, for example, for children or as a vegetable patch there are less expensive options. Meshing attached to fence posts could be ideal. Chain links and posts can offer an attractive fence for such purposes.
• Consider if a fence made up of vegetation would suit your purposes. This can take time to establish unless you buy full grown plants. Of course doing so will be more expensive. Privet or forsythia bushes are good choices.
• Constructing your fence out of overlapping boards will give a pleasing appearance to both sides of the fence. It will also be a sturdier and wind resistant fence than some.

You will need to consider

• Purpose of the fence.
• Size of the area where the fence is to be erected.
• Someone to erect the fence.
• To know the full cost.
• Knowledge of local planning regulations.
• A drawing of the plan.
• The use of appropriate software-optional.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult and involve neighbours if appropriate.
• Make sure your fence has sufficient footings and supports.
• If you are erecting the fence yourself have someone to help.
• Take care that you do not dig into water pipes or electric cables.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/20/fences_gates_and_garden_walls