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I really want to put a privacy fence around the back yard. The problem is, we live on a corner and because of that, the back yard is considered a "front yard" because it fronts the road. What do you suggest for a fence? We really don't like chain link, particularly.

Pika said:

I really want to put a privacy fence around the back yard.

... We really don't like chain link, particularly.

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Chain link (even with vinyl strips) is not much of a privacy fence...

Plant trees and bushes. :smile:KennyV

I second that. A hedge is just about the most beautiful way that you could handle a privacy fence, and it's good for wildlife too if you are concerned with that. It takes some time to get established though.

You need to consider any applicable zoning laws. In some cases there is a "set back" -- the fence or wall must be x feet from the property line. Before you build you need to get up to speed on this subject -- or you may have to take the fence out if it doesn't conform.

I agree with Kenny. Chain link isn't private at all. You need to go the old fashioned wooden post route on this one. Trees and shrubs help, but of course they add maintenance to your home.

Two-Stroke said:

You need to consider any applicable zoning laws. In some cases there is a "set back" -- the fence or wall must be x feet from the property line. Before you build you need to get up to speed on this subject -- or you may have to take the fence out if it doesn't conform.

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This is more important than you might think. We have an old wooden fence at the foot of our garden that has all but had it, however because of the rules of the woodland park in which we live, if we take it down we aren't allowed to put another wooden fence back up as it's now considered a fire hazard!

Yes, that's a lot of the issue. In order to put a privacy fence where we *want* it, we will have to pay a variance (on top of fence materials, you know), and we just don't have that kind of money available. We did plant rose of sharon on the back side of the property, but it isn't growing into the hedge they showed in the catalog from which we purchased them, so far.

Being on a corner you may have issues with sight lines also. Drivers coming from one direction need to be able to see traffic coming from the side road. There are sure to be regulations for your area - hopefully they'll tell you about them BEFORE you start your project and not after.

Hedges or trees might be a nice way to go, especially something fast growing, like willow, or colorful like forsythia. Another thought might be to go with the chain link then let an ivy or other creeper cover the fence.