We are always happy to help with any questions about your garden fence project but if you want a quick answer then you may find what you want here. We’ve tried to cover most of the questions that we are frequently asked about fences.
Questions about fences.
What is the cheapest type of fence?
The answer to which is the cheapest type of fence may depend on what the fence is for.
Cheapest boundary fence.
Boundary fences, such as those you see on open land are often created out of rustic posts and barbed wire. This would be the cheapest way to mark out territories and keep some animals in.
Cheapest low garden fence.
There are many wire type fences that serve to mark an area. These are sometimes used by builders, knowing that the new owner will want to choose their own style so there is no point spending too much on them. If you want a nice looking fence, then there is no better than the classic picket fence.
Cheapest tall garden fence.
The most cost effective way to fence in your garden for privacy and security is with lap fence panels. Lap panel fencing is the most common form of fencing in the UK, but economy doesn’t mean a reduction in quality. Our Superlap panels are one of the most robust on the market, and lap panels remain the industry standard on new housing developments.
Can I put a trellis on my neighbours fence?
You cannot do anything with a fence that’s owned by your neighbour. That includes attaching a trellis, hanging baskets, painting, staining or using preservative. You cannot even use it as support for your plants. Your neighbour would be extremely petty to complain about plants but if those plants create weight that weakens the fence, he would be entitled to ask you for the costs of repair. Ridiculous as it may sound, anything that you do to your neighbours fence, whether it improves it or not, could be construed as criminal damage.
Who owns the fence?
It’s a question that’s asked frequently. Who owns the fence that surrounds your garden? If the house is detached, there is no question. It is the responsibility of the homeowner. Where the fence is shared by neighbouring homes, the question can be more complicated.
The popular thought is that each house is responsible for the fence on the left when facing the house from the road but this is not true. The answer may be born from common sense arrangements but doesn’t allow for the person on the end who is resposible for two fences.
The only sure way to know is if ownership is marked on the deeds for the property. This may be indicated by a T-mark or expressed in the description. Remarkably, the question is rarely asked before purchase and the subject only arises when action is required to make changes to the fence.
When there is no clear answer regarding who owns the fence, then it relies on common sense and communication.
Can I grow plants up my side of the fence?
There is no such thing as your side of the fence. Either the fence is yours or your neighbours. It would be completely unreasonable of your neighbour to not allow you to grow plants up the garden fence or to use it as support, unless they encroach on their space. If you asked your neighbour, they’d probably be surprised you thought it necessary but at least you’ll know for sure.
Do you need planning permission for a fence?
You will rarely need planning permission to erect a fence for a normal family home. You can find more detailed information on the Planning Portal website but the general rules are as follows:
- The fence is not taller than a total of 2 metres.
- If you are replacing an existing dence that is already over 2 metres, the new fence should be no higher.
- If the fence is next to a highway or footpath alongside a highway, then the fence should be no higher than 1 metre.
- My neighbours tree is overhanging my fence. Can I cut it back?
- The fence is not around, nor forms a boundary with a listed building.
- The right to erect a fence hasn’t been removed by another direction or planning condition.
Can I put a trellis on top of a 6 foot fence?
If the trellis takes the height to over 2 metres, then officially you cannot put a trellis on top. There are various arguments about whether the trellis is part of the fence but for the definitive answer you may have to check with your local planning department. There is no problem plants growing up the fence take the height over 2 metres as they are not a permanent fixture.
Who gets the best side of the fence?
You do. It’s your fence and you can do what you like with it. The idea that you have to give your neighbour the best side is a myth. It’s all swings and roundabouts in the end. Your neighbour gets the best side when he chooses to put up a fence. If you want to be considerate, choose a fence that is the same both sides and then everybody will be happy. Bear in mind if you are concerned about security, that fences with arris rails are easier to climb, so sometimes it may be better to have the work side in your garden.
How high can a garden fence be?
To avoid running into trouble with planning or upsetting the neighbours, keep your fence under 2 metres in total. There are additional rules that apply if your fence is on a road or path along a road so check that. If this applies, you may be restricted to 1 metre.
What can I do about my neighbours tree overhanging my fence?
As long as the tree is not protected by a tree preservation order (TPO), you can cut back any branches that are within your boundary. You bear the cost of this yourself. There is no rule that says the neighbour should pay because it’s their tree. Be careful to only trim what is in your boundary. Do not prune for prevention or slowing down growth.
If there is fruit growing on the branches, the fruit belongs to the neighbour. It’s always best to let your neighbour know what you are doing and come to agreement about what happens with the trimmed branches.It’s unlikely your neighbour will want them back. While in theory, you can throw the branches back over the fence, that will do nothing to improve communication.
Can I force my neighbour to repair the fence?
If the fence belongs to your neighbour, it’s up to them whether they repair it or not. You can’t force them, even if it’s an eyesore. If it has fallen or is leaning into your land, you can ask them to at least take measures to remove or prevent the fence crossing the boundary.
If you are unhappy with the neighbour’s fence.
If the neighbour’s fence is unsightly or just doesn’t suit the look for your garden, you can plant shrubs or hedge to hide it or erect your own fence. The best solution will always be to come to agreement with your neighbour and erect a fence that suits you both but in the absence of a solution that suits everyone, the best thing to do is put up a new fence inside your own boundary along their fence. It is not your concern whether they are unhappy that your new fence is higher than theirs. As long as you stay under the permitted 2 metres, there is nothing they can do.
