When is a Privacy Fence Not a Privacy Fence?

When you think of a privacy fence, you probably think of the tall, wooden, planked fences that decorate the property lines through most of suburbia. However, that is a very narrow view of what a privacy fence really is. It does not actually have to be a hardscape fence. Instead, it can be landscaping or a living fence that provides you with privacy and a natural look to your yard.

For instance, you can use tall thick hedges as one type of privacy fence. Planted in a row, they give your yard a natural wooded look that cannot be had by a manmade fence. Additionally, there is not nearly the maintenance involved. You periodically will have to trim the hedges, but your privacy fence will not require staining, sealing, or repair after a wind storm. In fact, the ability of hedges to let wind through make them much better for the air circulation in your yard as well.

The one drawback of a softscape or natural privacy fence is that it takes a while to develop. You will have to wait for the hedges to grow up or pay a lot to have full hedges put in. On the other hand, a true privacy fence of wood can be put up in a day or two or at least over a weekend. Other than that, though, you should consider that the look and function of a hedge is just as good as that of wood.

Fences do not always make good neighbors, but in suburbia hey are often your only neighbors. However, that does not mean you have to be surrounded by a wooden perimeter all the time. Instead, you can find yourself using hedges or natural barriers instead. They hold up better, require little maintenance, and are better for air circulation in the yard. In the end, you will definitely be happy with your hedge privacy fence.