First-time homeowners Kim and Jordan fell in love with their new house, but had a concern about the lack of privacy in the backyard. “Naturally,” HGTV’s Don’t Sweat It solved their problem… with a living bamboo fence. Here’s a little about what they had to do to contain the bamboo and keep it healthy.

Keep in mind that certain bamboo species can grow as much as one foot per day; their running roots (rhizomes) allow for rapid spreading and multiplication. The bamboo can easily become bam-BOO! …scary in how fast it can take over an entire area. These factors necessitate a barrier to contain the roots along a line where you would have installed a traditional fence. Without the barrier, more work is necessary to keep the plants in their space. Depending on the yard’s needs, consider choosing a slow-growing clumping variety instead. Also, remember that during the first week, the leaves have to be sprayed several times a day to minimize shock. Ongoing maintenance, in addition to crowd control, includes a watering schedule from two to four times a week.

And environmentalists say it’s so worth it!

Bamboo advantages go on and on:

• The plants absorb more carbon dioxide than most others – a very good thing since CO2 emissions are known to cause ozone depletion.
• Bamboo is recognized as the world’s fastest growing plant, meaning it can be replaced in 60 days! Without replanting! Replenishing a hardwood forest, however, takes 60 years.
• Bamboo stalk grows in areas of intense wind and rain – it has evolved to withstand serious pressure. The plant’s strength is comparable to steel, yet is incredibly flexible, doubling the improbability of breakage.
• Bamboo forests produce 30 percent more oxygen than an equally-sized hardwood forest, a really good thing since we all have to breathe.
• The woody perennial evergreen prevents erosion and restores the soil. Without soil, we would have no plants at all.
• This really tall grass is termite and rot-resistant – amazing, since who wants either?

If living bamboo plants are not a feasible fencing option, maybe due to pets or space constraints, harvested bamboo cane poles are still an ecologically sound alternative. Rolled bamboo fences and others made from large canes are durable, some lasting more than 40 years. Their natural beauty will endure as long as the fence.

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Gates’ guard duty may be their chief purpose, but they can also be so beautiful! When the property owner takes care to make a gate attractive from the outside, there’s a touch of welcome implied.

Here’s a collection of residential gates that welcome your viewing pleasure.

Imagine having these glorious, shiny sheep guarding the entry to your ranch.

Photo Credit: High Desert Forge

This wood and iron gate would look good just about anywhere in suburbia USA.

Photo Credit: Bohl Iron Works

Fabulous, no? This Art Nouveau Gate is partially constructed of recycled retail fixtures, copper, and steel.

Photo Credit: Steel Bamboo

Simple, sleek, and it blends seamlessly with the fence wall that surrounds the property.

Photo Credit: Metropolitan Gate

With all the charm of an old English novel, this gate joins forces with a thick hedge.

Photo Credit: kirsch-korff.com

This one’s so pretty it was made into a poster.

Photo Credit: Allposters.com

This beauty’s part of a whole album of garden gate photos by Marjie.

Photo Credit: webshots.com

Let us connect you with free estimates from a qualified fencing contractor in your area!

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1. It’s just too hard to maintain.
2. Where is that fence located? There is plenty of property to open up to, why block it off?
3. The fence is old, run down and an eye sore to the place.
4. It just isn’t aesthetically pleasing.
5. The fence blocks others from viewing me, but I’m tired of my view being blocked from the beauty of the world around me.
6. The fencing materials are not safe for my lifestyle with children and pets.
7. The fence just isn’t practical or functional to my needs, my garden, my play area, and my animals.

Well, I came up with 7 reasons to get rid of my son’s fences, but I also see his need for fencing. Maybe I could give him some ideas for some changes. Let’s see.

My first thought is, how it will look and what material to use. Now I think, do we go with hardscape and just change the fencing or softscape and use nature? There are so many types of fencing out there. He could still use wood, like he has everywhere, but the choices are tremendous, including vinyl fencing and metal fencing.

Let’s not forget that with the kids and pets, safety is important. I prefer the softscape approach. Maybe he can be convinced to put in some hedges or shrubs to replace the fences that break up parts of his property; the birds would love it. There is a wired fence that goes around the big garden with wood slats, ugly. I think lattice and vines would suit that area. And the privacy fence does wonders for the eyes looking in, but I like looking out, or at least to feel like I am. Maybe a bamboo fence or just bamboo plants; he is into going green, I think he’ll like that idea.

Well, I need another cup of coffee. Are you thinking about getting rid of your fences? Tell us about it!

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In the going-on 300 years since colonial fences took root, there have been some major advances in fencing materials. In addition to classics such as wood and iron, you now have vinyl and aluminum. Each is more or less an attempt at improving on the other.

Vinyl vs. Wood

Wood is the traditional choice for picket, rail, or privacy fences. It is versatile, can be painted or stained any number of colors, and durable (if cared for). Vinyl, compared to wood, is the teenage upstart; the younger, faster guy who wants your job — and just might get it. Vinyl, which usually comes in one of several picket designs, is durable and virtually maintenance-free. Among vinyl’s inhibitions, however, is its lack of an extensive color palette.

Aluminum vs. Wrought Iron

Both aluminum and iron fencing fit under the broader heading of Ornamental fencing. This type of fencing is prevalent in both commercial and residential markets because it provides custom elegance and valuable security. Wrought iron is the ‘godfather’ of ornamental fencing. Aluminum, because it is cheaper and durable, is not as strong as iron but is assembled (as opposed to welded), less rust-prone, and now dominates the residential, ornamental fencing market. In fact, even in the commercial market, most new wrought iron fences are hybrids containing both steel and aluminum.

These materials are just the four most common. It is hard to write about fencing without at least mentioning chain-link fences. But if you would like to learn, in more detail, about the ins and outs of these fencing materials, then go to CalFinder’s Remodeling Library and learn more about materials, placement, and fencing designs.

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There are many ways you can recreate the vintage feel within your own landscape design, and certain styles of fencing are more conducive to that look.

Wood. Unlike some of its modern counterparts, wood is a great product for achieving the look you want. Whether it be white-washed pickets, rustic split rail, or country ranch theme, wood is very versatile.

Wrought Iron. Wrought iron is another timeless classic with ageless elegance. Whether freestanding or in combination with brick or stone, stately iron rods will always be impressive.

Stone and Rock. Stone, brick and rock materials can also be used to create a vintage feel, mainly because they have been in use for thousands of years. The more natural the material, the more authentic the look.

Part of creating a vintage appeal is the accompanying accessories. These can include climbing flowers, lanterns, or an antique mailbox at the gate. As discussed in Pardon Our Dust, sometimes the best inspiration comes from your own neighborhood. Begin to observe the going trends in your area, and consider how you might incorporate them into your own design. Work with your landscaping and fencing contractors to turn your home into a nostalgic page from the past.

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Picket fences are arguably the most versatile of fencing designs. They create definite boundaries around your yard yet are not too prohibitive. They are also relatively easy to build and serve as a beautiful backdrop for landscaping. Picket fences allow for several different styles, patterns, curves, arches, you name it. There is no one way to design a picket fence. It is this room for creativity that makes building a picket fence such a treat.

Picket fences are typically made from wood or vinyl. Wood fences are the more versatile because you can choose and construct your own design. Wood picket fences can also be bought and installed by the panel. There are pre-made board designs you can choose from. The most common are dog-eared, gothic, french gothic, and standard flat-top. You can also cut your own pickets to really personalize your fence.

Vinyl picket fences come in pre-assembled sections, usually 6′, in a handful of styles. Vinyl fencing has some advantages over wood. They will never rot, warp, corrode, or need painting. They are virtually maintenance free. If the pickets get dirty, you can hose them off and be done. Vinyl pickets come in the same standard styles that wood pickets do. You can order fences in which the pickets are all the same length or vary in length to form an arch or scalloped design.

Despite the maintenance, many people prefer wood because of its traditional, rustic appeal. Regardless of your material choice, your options are probably open wider than you need. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional to build it, picket fences are a great way to create the personal space you need in an individual and unique fashion.

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Rules for fencing almost always deal with location and height. In many cities, quality and appearance of a fence is also held to a specific standard. Barbed or razor wire is almost never allowed in cities on residential lots.

Rules on height vary based on location. If the fence is in the front yard then the maximum height, on average, will be four feet above grade. Note that if you live on a corner lot than your max height will likely be reduced to three feet due to possible sight obstruction for motorists. In side and rear yards the bar is commonly set at six feet above grade. Again there are exceptions to the rule, usually determined by proximity to areas accessible by the public (alleys, bike paths, etc.)

There are also required setbacks for the location of your fence. Setbacks denote a minimum distance from public areas and property lines. The front yard is probably the most critical point. Predominantly, required distances are from curbs and sidewalks. Variably, the fence will need to be around 12 feet from the back of the curb. Adherence to this rule will most likely keep the fence in compliance with any sidewalk setbacks. Usually, if you keep your fence at least five feet away from public walkways, you will be safe. And you may be able to have low lying landscaping in this area. In side and rear yards, fences will often need to be 1-3 feet off of adjacent property lines.

Required setbacks may vary based on your style of fence. Distances may be shorter for chain link fences because they are often not listed as a sight obstruction. Also, county ordinances may vary significantly from those of a city because of drainage, turn-outs, etc.

Most codes and ordinances regarding fence building are fairly universal but remember that these are general guidelines and you should always research rules for your specific area before doing any building in or around your home. Nowadays you usually don’t even have to call, you can go to your city or county’s website and many codes are listed there (fencing is almost always there because it is such a frequent project). If you decide to have your fence built professionally, then your contractor should definitely be aware of any and all existing codes and ordinances.

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In most cases, privacy fences are made from wood which needs to be rot resistant (cedar is a prime example) and should be sealed with a stain, sealant, or paint to prevent water damage over time. There are also vinyl or metal options available from your local fencing supplier or through your fencing contractor. Before you build any fence be sure to contact, in person, by phone, or via the Internet, your local building department to check for any zoning codes and regulations that pertain to fence building in your area. Usually privacy fences stand around six feet tall. If applicable, you should also check with your neighborhood or subdivision association to be aware of any rules governing fences.

In any project, you want to keep your creative mind open and flowing. Privacy fences are no exception. You can build flower boxes to rest atop the fence or hang from the side of the fence, in which you may plant flowers or vines which will grow towards the ground and provide a beautiful array of colors when in bloom. Of course you can always form a line of landscaping along the fence to add beauty and variety to your yard.

If you’re not sure you want a fence and you have some patience, you can also plant trees and/or bushes along the perimeter of your yard. Evergreens are best for this tactic because they stand lush and green all year round. In addition, while there may be codes resisting the height of your fence, you may be able to plant trees or bushes that grow considerably higher; especially in your back or side yard.

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Be sure to accurately measure, in linear feet, how much fencing you will need to complete the project. With this information at hand you can decide, based on your preference and budget, which type of fence you want and how much material to order. Next, decide whether it is a job you are willing and able to undertake. Especially if you are building a wood fence, you do not want your material sitting out in the yard or field for an extended period of time. There will be plenty of qualified fencing contractors in your area who would be happy to do the job in a timely fashion.

When ordering your fencing material be sure to order a little extra. Nothing is more frustrating than getting the end in sight and realizing you’re short on material. To exemplify the point, let’s focus on cedar fencing, a very common do-it-yourself fencing project. Cedar fence boards are sold as single pieces or in sections and can range in price from $2-$5 per board depending on quality of the wood. Again, order a few extra because some boards will inevitably be bowed or cracked or otherwise unsightly. You may not want to use them, but at least save them for an inconspicuous spot. Always use pressure treated wood for posts, rails, etc. to ward off rot and insects.

In the end, you simply need to select the fencing material that best fits your intended purpose, whether it be practical or aesthetic. You can always consult your local fencing supplier or contractor about which type best suits your needs.

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