The question for homeowners isn’t whether or not to build a barrier around their home, but rather which materials are best for the job. The options are limitless but ultimately come down to natural landscaping or manmade barriers. Take a look at the differences between plants versus fences before scheduling an installation with your contractor in Carlsbad, NM.
Durability
Bordering a property with trees and shrubs is the smart choice for homeowners who often experience bad weather. Plants are rooted firmly into the ground and stay put through heavy wind storms. Keep in mind there’s still a chance your plants would sustain some damage.
On the other hand, a split rail fence can easily get blown over by strong winds. Wooden posts may rot over time and weaken the structural integrity of your fence, which increases the risk of having to rebuild it altogether. Homeowners with their heart set on a fence might have to choose a more industrial material like chain link or steel.
Maintenance
There’s no doubt about it—plants need far more upkeep than a fence. Those who border their homes with plants often find themselves outside, meticulously grooming the shrubs in order to maintain the landscape’s aesthetic appeal. Young saplings require a lot of nurturing before they grow to their full height.
If you don’t have time for all the hassle, a fence is the right way to go. It’s much easier to build a fence and forget about it rather than constantly tame unruly branches. Just remember that all things require maintenance, so it wouldn’t hurt to check on your fence once in a while.
Privacy
Plants not only provide coverage in your backyard, but also have noise insulation capabilities. The foliage on shrubs and tree branches muffle sounds that carry over from adjacent properties. Unfortunately, plants won’t keep out everything. You never know when a neighbor’s dog or soccer ball will crash through your bushes!
When it comes down to plants versus fences, a locked gate will more effectively keep unwanted visitors away from your Carlsbad, NM home. Fences also give a clearer indication of title boundaries in case your adjacent neighbors decide to undergo some major landscaping.
Eco-friendliness
Plants are the obvious choice for environmentally friendly homeowners. Greenery purifies the air and provides a nesting place for animals. Unlike fences, bordering your home with trees and shrubs continuously improves the planet’s health. At the very least, they give suburban homes a more natural aesthetic.
Of course, you won’t get any of these eco-friendly benefits with a manmade barrier. Consider how many trees were cut down to make split rail and picket fences, not to mention the pollutants that manufacturers release when they produce synthetic materials. In this case, plants are the clear winner.
At the end of the day, both are viable options for your home. The contractors at Guadalupe Mountain Fencing LLC are happy to give expert advice about plants versus fences so the residents of Carlsbad, NM can make an informed decision. Share your landscaping ideas with us to get started!