# Good fences make good neighbours, but how do you make the fence? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 17, 2011, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880 "2011-10-17T03:22:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![PotLuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@PotLuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PotLuck)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/61 "2011-10-20T13:24:45Z")
**voltaire** , your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. šŸ˜‰ Oh, and I forgot to answer the question in your post, **not what youā€™d expect**! While I donā€™t mind dogs Iā€™d never consider owning one because they take way too much work and commitment, and a large dog would probably terrify my cats. A surveillance system doesnā€™t require 6 am walks on wintry mornings or poop 'n scooping, so Iā€™ll stick with that. ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/62 "2011-10-20T14:00:04Z")
**Potluck** That fence in your last post is beautiful and exactly what you need. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/63 "2011-10-20T16:15:46Z")
Some suggestions for bushes on your sided of the fence - [barberry,](http://findmeacure.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/barberry_leaves_and_fruits.jpg) [miniature caragana,](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ppuSo-b9yXQ/STqQzRLjTJI/AAAAAAAABF8/c8YPvIalGi0/s320/Caragana+pygmaea+tsomoriri.jpg) [sea buckthorn,](http://www.agri-media.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Sea-buckthorn-berries.jpg)and, of course, lovely, hardy, [roses.](http://www.pxleyes.com/images/contests/rose-thorns/fullsize/sourceimage.jpg) You canā€™t see the thorns properly in all those pictures, but trust me, no one is going through a shrubbery made of any combination of those. šŸ™‚ ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/64 "2011-10-20T16:52:21Z")
I really, really like the wood fence you linked with the spikey decorative top. Classy! šŸ†’ ---
**Author:** ![miss\_elizabeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/65 "2011-10-20T16:55:26Z")
**Potluck** , that is a lovely fence that says ā€œStay The Fuck OUTā€ very clearly. Great choice. ---
**Author:** ![PotLuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@PotLuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PotLuck)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/66 "2011-10-20T16:56:53Z")
I was somewhat disappointed to give up my dream of an ivy-covered wrought iron fence, but now Iā€™m smiling at the thought of a colourful wall of sea buckthorn or bumblebee-friendly miniature caragana. The fact that either would scratch the ever-loving crap out of an unwary intruder does not enter into the equation whatsoever. šŸ˜‰ Thanks for the suggestion, **Cat Whisperer**. Also thanks to those who praised my fence choice ā€“ it is lovely, isnā€™t it? ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/67 "2011-10-20T17:05:12Z")
> [@PotLuck](#): > > No kidding I should have put up a fence right away. As irritating as my neighbours are, however, when I first moved in I wasnā€™t in a financial position to prioritize keeping them off my flowers over more pressing matters like fixing a leaky roof. Just buying the place depleted my savings and Iā€™m paying for things as I go. > > In any case you guys have made several valid points so fuck their blackberry bush, Iā€™ma get what _I_ want! > > A full-on wrought iron fence on both sides of my yard is currently beyond my means and Iā€™m swayed by the ā€œout of sight out of mindā€ arguments for a spiteful solid wood privacy fence but I deserve something pretty, damnit. Something [along these lines](http://www.dufferiniron.com/gallery.php?sfpg=Ml9mZW5jaW5nLypGLTA1NS5qcGcqKmltYWdlZm9ybSoqYzZiMGNhMGViOWU4ZWE2NDM5YjNkOTc4ZTZlNTNlMzI) is currently where Iā€™m at. Having a decorative top instead of 6ā€™ 6" of solid wood may facilitate climbing but Iā€™ll choose painful but [decorative spikes](http://www.dufferiniron.com/gallery.php?sfpg=Ml9mZW5jaW5nLypGLTA2Ny5qcGcqMSppbWFnZWZvcm0qKjE5MmUwNjc0ZjIzZDczMmQyOTAxYTNhOTc3MDA4OGY0) to discourage it, and have it all on tape if/when it happens. > > The 8-camera system Iā€™m looking at is top of the line and paying for it will set the fence construction back considerably, but it will no doubt pay for itself if I need to press vandalism charges or file a civil case to make my neighbours pay to repair anything they damage or make trespassing charges stick. **Ibanez** ā€™s and **Acid Lamp** ā€™s posts outline how I plan to make that happen. I like the fence choice quite a lot. Itā€™ll serve the purpose and itā€™s attractive. Personally Iā€™d put it up first and wait on the cameras until youā€™ve proven that the fence isnā€™t enough of a solution, I suspect this fence will end the issue almost completely and immediately once the whining about the stupid bush ends. ---
**Author:** ![PotLuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@PotLuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PotLuck)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/68 "2011-10-20T17:09:09Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > Personally Iā€™d put it up first and wait on the cameras until youā€™ve proven that the fence isnā€™t enough of a solution [snip] How do I prove the fence isnā€™t enough of a solution without the cameras? ---
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/69 "2011-10-20T17:17:13Z")
I would have given that blackberry a Roundup IV to the rootball years ago. You have much more patience and tolerance than I do. ---
**Author:** ![PotLuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@PotLuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PotLuck)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/70 "2011-10-20T17:21:20Z")
I was thinking along the lines of a nightly saltwater drenching but believe me, **Hockey Monkey** , I wanted to stoop to my neighbourā€™s level many a time. Iā€™m glad to finally be in a position to let my bitch flag now that I have the money to protect myself from them. ---
**Author:** ![miss\_elizabeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/71 "2011-10-20T19:23:47Z")
Good for you! All revenge fantasies aside (thought they are fun!) this is the way to handle things. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2011, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/72 "2011-10-20T23:57:45Z")
> [@PotLuck](#): > > I was somewhat disappointed to give up my dream of an ivy-covered wrought iron fence, but now Iā€™m smiling at the thought of a colourful wall of sea buckthorn or bumblebee-friendly miniature caragana. The fact that either would scratch the ever-loving crap out of an unwary intruder does not enter into the equation whatsoever. šŸ˜‰ Thanks for the suggestion, **Cat Whisperer**. > > Also thanks to those who praised my fence choice ā€“ it is lovely, isnā€™t it? That fence is quite attractive. And it really, really needs some ivyā€¦poison ivy, that is. ---
**Author:** ![Sierra\_Indigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f0a364/32.png) [@Sierra\_Indigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sierra_Indigo)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/73 "2011-10-21T00:06:41Z")
Adding my voice to the chorus that the fence youā€™ve chosen is awesome. Privacy and it looks good, and it seems to be just what you need. Good on you. The thing is too that short of actively trying to destroy the blackberry canes (poison, fire etc.) they are incredibly hard to kill through neglect. Theyā€™re actually a noxious weed in some parts of Australia because they were imported and just went absolutely hogwild. Local councils tend to go around poisoning them, and thereā€™s still blackberry thickets in areas where theyā€™ve gotten hold. Iā€™m pretty sure your fence isnā€™t going to bother them in the slightest. ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/74 "2011-10-21T00:19:04Z")
> [@PotLuck](#): > > **voltaire** , your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. šŸ˜‰ > > Oh, and I forgot to answer the question in your post, **not what youā€™d expect**! While I donā€™t mind dogs Iā€™d never consider owning one because they take way too much work and commitment, and a large dog would probably terrify my cats. A surveillance system doesnā€™t require 6 am walks on wintry mornings or poop 'n scooping, so Iā€™ll stick with that. I hear you. I would not have a dog either because I canā€™t devote the hours they need, but wasnā€™t sure if that would be possible for you. I agree the cameras are a very good idea. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/75 "2011-10-21T00:31:36Z")
Potluck, I seriously approve of your fence choice! Anecdote: When I was seven years old, I was running along a stone wall adjacent to a spiked-wrought iron fence, lost my balance and fell, impaling myself on the spiked fence; I had to be plucked off. I have a fairly impressive scar on my right side as a memento. No reason for relating this except I rarely think about it unless reminded. At my last house, I really wanted a wrought-iron fence like that, except the cost was prohibitive. ---
**Author:** ![Ibanez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a4c791/32.png) [@Ibanez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibanez)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/76 "2011-10-21T10:32:07Z")
> [@miss\_elizabeth](#): > > **Potluck** , that is a lovely fence that says ā€œStay The Fuck OUTā€ very clearly. Great choice. I like that. I would put that in Gaelic I think on the nieghbours side of the fence. Small font of course. _fan amach Ć³n fĆ”l_ I think this transaltes to Stay away from the fence. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/77 "2011-10-21T10:38:37Z")
Potluck that fence is GORgeous! I want! Absolutely get it the way you want it, youā€™ve pent so much time and money on your house you deserve to have your own little haven šŸ™‚ And pictures when itā€™s done, please? ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/78 "2011-10-21T12:48:27Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > I was thinking concertina wire at the top, personally. šŸ˜‰ And guard towers at intervals that can cover each other. Former East Germans might be willing to work for cheap. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/79 "2011-10-21T12:54:14Z")
> [@PotLuck](#): > > How do I prove the fence isnā€™t enough of a solution without the cameras? Who are you trying to provide evidence for? Your neighbors? Put up your legally permissible fence and shoot the next person that trespasses in the leg. Theyā€™ll get the message pretty quick. ---
**Author:** ![Ibanez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a4c791/32.png) [@Ibanez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibanez)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/80 "2011-10-21T13:39:34Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > Who are you trying to provide evidence for? Your neighbors? Put up your legally permissible fence and shoot the next person that trespasses in the leg. Theyā€™ll get the message pretty quick. I think the video is for the authorities. Because from the sounds of it these people are going to go over the fence regardless. Potluck is just getting ready and putting all of her ducks in a row because she knows itā€™s going to get ugly. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880.md?page=5)