A fence is the first thing that greets you when you arrive home, so make sure it’s a pleasant one.

There’s no disputing farms need fences but fences should do more than just keep the animals out and the children in, or the other way around, depending on your circumstances.

Good fencing needs year-round maintenance and different types of fencing will be required in different places. But as in urban areas, fences on large blocks, especially where they are part of the exterior look of the homestead, should contribute to landscape design.

As well as providing privacy and security, they can enhance the appearance and value of property. 

The design of your fence, where possible, should be in harmony with the style of your home. For example, while a picket fence isn’t the best choice for privacy, or for keeping in a herd of horses, it will complement a traditional cottage or restored villa.

It is usual to build the fence in a similar material to the exterior cladding of your home.   The versatility of timber makes it one of the most popular and practical fencing materials. It combines well with other materials to suit any architectural or landscaping theme. However, several other options are available and may be just as practical.

For a quick face-lift, some fencing concepts can be placed straight over ugly, tired looking fences for an immediate transformation.  

However, some fences look as if they’ve been put up as an after thought, bearing no relation to the design of the house or even to the purpose for which it is needed. And it’s easy to see why this happens.

Building a house is one of the most expensive activities undertaken, and once the house has gone up, there can be a shortage of funds for completing those finishing touches. Rather than just erecting any old fence, plan it as an integral part of the house, something you’ll be happy to look at for years to come.

When it comes to the working fence, land owners seldom skimp or cut corners. The same should apply when it comes to fencing the main living area around the house.

Where privacy and boundary demarcation is essential, higher fences are preferable. But ensure a high fence is appealing and creates a pleasing urbanscape because if it is well built, you may find yourself looking at it for a long time.