As summer has come to an end and the days and nights start to get colder, there are lots of things for gardeners to get on with to prepare for the winter. One of the main things to think about in the garden at this time of the year is the fence. As the stormy weather that comes with winter looms, it is important to make sure that your garden fence has a good chance of standing up to it!
If your fence is looking a little worse for wear and you have spotted signs of damage to the fence, now is a good time to get a professional like this fencing Gloucester based company https://www.greenfieldsltd.co.uk/services/fencing/ to come and install a new one for you before the weather gets bad. But there is a lot of choice when it comes to fences, and it is a good idea to give some thought to what you want from your fence before you decide. Here are some of the things to consider…
Location – The place where the fence is going to be situated is an important thing to consider to ensure that it is suitable. For example, if you live somewhere that is quite exposed and can typically get windy, such as in a coastal region or on a hill, you need to make sure that your fence is very secure.
Purpose – Fences play a wide range of roles in a garden – from ensuring that your garden is safe and secure, to giving you privacy, so do bear the practicalities in mind when you are choosing a fence that will suit your needs.
Materials – Although wood is the traditional material for fences, you can also look into metal fences. Posts also need to be considered, and concrete fence posts are the strongest if you are looking for something that will not budge even in the harshest of weather conditions.
Appearance – A fence is a big part of the garden so you want it to be pleasing to look at. As well as choosing the right materials, you can also paint the fence to make it more visually pleasing. Darker colours tend to work better for fences, helping them to blend in with the rest of the garden.
Checks to make before replacing a fence
Before putting up a new fence, first check that the boundary is actually yours. Your property deeds show which fences you own and which belong to your neighbour. Replacing one that turns out not to be yours could mean being asked to take it down, or paying for something that was never your responsibility.
Once you know it is yours, tell your neighbour what you are planning if their garden adjoins it. It is a courteous step, and talking it through early can prevent disputes later.
Height is the next consideration. A taller fence improves security, but there are legal limits. Two metres is generally the maximum for a garden fence, though this is not always the case, so check before you build. Finally, think about the style and material. Look beyond appearance to the practical benefits of each type, and choose good quality fencing that is properly installed so it lasts.
Privacy, safety and upkeep
Before picking a fence, ask yourself what it needs to do. If privacy matters, as it often does in built-up areas, a taller fence makes sense. Check the local rules first, though, so that it does not go over the maximum permitted height.
If you have young children or pets, the fence has to keep them safely inside while they play. That means something strong and hard to climb, with no gaps they could squeeze through.
Think honestly about how much maintenance you are willing to do. Some fences need far more care than others. Wood is a popular choice, but it has to be looked after and treated regularly against the weather to stay in good condition, which matters all the more if the fence is to stand up to winter storms. Answering these questions first makes it much easier to choose a fence that suits your garden for years.