Pros And Cons – Fences And Hedges Comparing Costs, Maintenance and Other Aspects

Homeowners want privacy and heightened security for their properties. A simple way to manage both security and privacy is to install a border around the property. This is achieved by installing a fence or a hedge line around the property. Reviewing how fences and hedges compare shows the property owner what to expect in terms of cost, maintenance, and other related aspects.

What are the Pros and Cons of Installing a Fence?

Fences will provide immediate privacy for the homeowner, and maintenance for fencing is minimal. Maintenance of the fence depends on the materials used to construct it. For instance, if the owner chooses an aluminum fence, they will need to replace any panels that become damaged over time.

With a wooden fence, they replace damaged sections or panels, and the homeowner either restains or repaints the wood. They must also consider the probability of storm damage when making a selection.

The cost of installing a fence could become expensive has the basic cost is around $2,000 for a wooden privacy fence. The width, height, and square footage of the fence play a role in calculating the total cost for the installation.

The materials used for the fence dictate how eco-friendly they are. For example, most wooden or metal fences can be recycled. Steel, aluminum, and wood are the most eco-friendly fence designs. Contractors often provide waste management for the fences and send old materials to a recycling center.

Two other drawbacks to consider when comparing a fence to hedges is that the fence is less likely to provide noise reduction, and the property owner will need a building permit if they live within the city limits. Homeowners can review more pros and cons of fences by reading details at Illinois Fence Company.

What You Should Know About Installing Hedges

The type of hedge you choose determines the cost of the installation, and the average cost is around $1,500. The hedges can provide more shade during the summer, and they block strong winds in the winter. Some wildlife will live in the hedge, and the property owner may need to follow some pest control strategies to protect it.

It blocks noise and prying eyes from the property offering adequate privacy for the property, and the materials are completely recyclable. Hedges that are maintained properly can stabilize the property value and increase its curb appeal.

What are the Pitfalls of Hedges?

Like most landscaping-based installations, the property owner will need more regular maintenance for the hedges and they can become costly. In comparison to fence maintenance, the hedge is considerably more costly. The hedge must also stay in compliance with fire safety regulations, and it cannot present a risk to the property according to the terms of the property insurance.

The property owner will need to have the hedge trimmed more often to prevent contact with utility lines, and they can spread into neighboring properties without warning. Finally, unless the property owner chooses full-grown hedges it could take up to a year to get the full benefits of the installation.

Homeowners consider the pros and cons of installing a fence and hedge line around their properties. Each of the installations provides privacy and can prevent nosy neighbors from looking in. However, the cost of installing and maintaining the installations are vastly different. Comparing the cost of a fence and a hedge line shows the homeowner what choice is more affordable for them.