From Wikipedia: A fence is a freestanding structure designed to restrict or prevent movement across a boundary. 

“Good fences make good neighbors.” – Robert Frost

“A good neighbor is a fellow who smiles at you over the back fence, but doesn’t climb over it.” – Arthur Baer

“There is something about jumping a horse over a fence, something that makes you feel good. Perhaps it’s the risk, the gamble. In any event it’s a thing I need.” – William Faulkner

“Don’t Fence Me In (song)” – Cole Porter

I have never lived anywhere in the world where more people have more fences than here in Denver, CO.  It is very rare to drive anywhere in this metro area without finding fences around people’s property.  I’ll be honest, I’m a fan.  It’s great to be able to let the dog out without worry or to let the children have a place to play where they can feel safe and I as a parent can have piece of mind.  I also like the privacy aspect of having people not be able to see into my back yard.  I can be very anti-social that way.

There are many different types of fences you can buy.  Wood, Concrete, Wrought Iron, Vinyl, and even the good old chain link.  Some neighborhoods may dictate not only how tall your fence can be but how far back it must be set from the street. Also, don’t forget to verify the exact borders of your property to avoid upsetting the neighbors.

Speaking of neighbors, how do you decide what type of fence to use if you share a property line?  Do you come to a consensus and split the cost, or does one person get to pay and decide. And what about fence maintenance?  Who is responsible?  In my back yard, I face a rental property that is usually in pretty bad shape.  This spring, I noticed that the middle of this fence is beginning to sag toward my lawn.  Whose fence is it to fix?  The posts are on their side, so I replace the boards if they need repair.  If the posts need to be re-dug or replaced I would think that would be the landlord’s responsibility.  Have you ever been in this situation?   What do you think?