Robert Frost penned that proverb in his poem Mending Wall in 1914, and it still rings true today.
Fencing enjoys a strong popularity ranking against other outdoor structures and it’s not surprising to our designers here at Outdoor Craftsmen. We estimate that about 95% of our clients mention some sort of privacy issue (or opportunity) during their landscape design consultation with us, and a stylish fence is one choice for adding privacy.
Fences that are artfully designed, well-situated, and well-built will add value to your home through an intentional aesthetic and practical purpose.
Fences can be a backdrop for many elements in the greater landscape such as a beautifully shaped tree or endpoint to a blooming pathway. Together with a living screen, a fence can be the primary element in a small garden space; or a slatted horizontal wood fence might add a cool urban vibe without demanding to be noticed.
Fences in the landscape can improve curb appeal, offer protection from the weather, and, when built in the right materials, can be a wonderfully interesting and solid yet low-maintenance feature in your garden.
Fences are a challenging landscape element to include in a design, because we want to achieve privacy for the homeowner while creating the illusion of intimacy and separateness in the space. Appropriate fencing materials (for the level of privacy desired) are considered, and we always design in conjunction with how a fence will interact with the house, views, neighbors, trees, and plants in the big picture.
Outdoor Craftsmen Design Tip: for safety and convenience, we like to plan two paths in and out of a fenced area – including one for larger garbage cans and a lawn tractor, and a smaller “people” entrance. Indicate the locations of the gates with decorative elements.
