FENCING IN A YARD

What you need to know before

Fencing in a yard seems like a simple project, right? Just hammer in a few posts, attach your fencing, and there you go. Well, that’s one way of doing it — but it’s not the smartest.

Careful planning will save you tons of time, money and hassle once you actually install your fence. I talked with Joe Raboine, director of Belgard Residential Hardscapes, about what you must research before fencing in your yard, and a few things to watch out for.

Laws and regulations

Ensure your plans comply with local regulations. Your homeowners association is the place to start; most require an architectural review before approving new fence plans. Interestingly, Joe points out, “The city will usually defer to the HOA.”

If a permit is necessary for fence installation in your town, have that in hand before work begins. And find out whether underground utility pipes or cables run where you plan to dig.

Property line

Determine your exact property line so you don’t accidentally install the fence on your neighbor’s turf. Refer to the plat map ( if it’s less than 5 years old) or hire a surveyor. Local law might specify an additional setback of several inches to one foot.

Ground condition

“Soil can play a big part in your fence planning. With new construction, you want to make sure the soil has settled. Otherwise, it should be thoroughly compacted,” Raboine said.

“Beyond that, depending on the region of the country, you may need to reinforce the fenceposts. ... In some areas, you’ll run into bedrock or boulders, which may require drilling or bringing in special equipment. When you get fencing quotes, discuss how that’s going to be handled.”

Materials

Modern fencing options include natural wood, composite, vinyl, aluminum, steel, chain link, wrought iron and bamboo.

Four essential factors will help narrow your choice:

1. Purpose: privacy, secure children's play area, keeping animals in ( or out), etc.

2. Budget.

3. Taste and style.

4. Amount of maintenance you’re willing to put into the finished product.

Landscaping

Plan a fence that will work with your landscape and hardscape ( existing or future). Consider whether you’d like to bring in heavy equipment, perhaps to pour a concrete patio. That should obviously be done before you have the fence installed.

Talk with your sprinkler company to decide whether equipment will have to be repositioned. You do not want your new fence to be in the path of the spray.

Openings

How many gates will you need? Count on installing two minimum, or possibly more. At least one opening should be wide enough for outdoor necessities like garbage cans or snow blowers.

Special features

Fence columns are trendy these days, according to Raboine, for decorative purposes and to hold lighting. He advises you to plan the lighting design out carefully with your fencing company.

Also popular are trellises or vertical gardens incorporated into the fence.