# 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:** 19\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/81 "2011-10-21T15:57:53Z")
\>\>Declaring war before obtaining weapons seemed unwise. I see you’ve read your Sun Tzu! I agree with the camera first priority. If they choose to escalate/retaliate, you need to be able to get help from the authorities. Love the new fence idea! It is solid and lovely, and has the elements you were craving. Consider planting the thorny bushes between the old fence and the new. That way the thorns won’t be stabbing you in the foot every time you need to walk around your own backyard. ---
**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 21, 2011, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/82 "2011-10-21T16:59:10Z")
Ooh, better yet, move the fence into your yard by about three feet, and plant all the thorny bushes on your **neighbour’s** side of the fence. Nobody’s climbing a fence that they have to go through thorns to get to. ETA: Which is basically what **Tru Celt** just said. Hur-de-dur. 🙂 For the record, a mixed barberry and rose hedge would be gorgeous, too. 🙂 ---
**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, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/83 "2011-10-21T19:27:23Z")
> [@Ibanez](#): > > 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 it’s going to get ugly. Why would they climb over the fence, especially one designed as PotLuck has pictured? The only reason they come over the one there now, is to pick the blackberry’s on his side of the fence. With a privacy fence like the one pictured, there would be no branches sticking through and thus no reason for the kids to climb over. ---
**Author:** ![PotLuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@PotLuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PotLuck)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/84 "2011-10-21T19:57:09Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > Why would they climb over the fence, especially one designed as PotLuck has pictured? The only reason they come over the one there now, is to pick the blackberry’s on his side of the fence. With a privacy fence like the one pictured, there would be no branches sticking through and thus no reason for the kids to climb over. Indeed, and I think the kids are at university; I rarely see them. It’s currently the middle-aged dad who climbs the fence to pick berries. After the fence, the only reason to climb over is to trespass for the sake of irritating me and/or vandalize my backyard. If he were to put up a ladder and drop over it he’d find himself padlocked into my yard and I’d have to let him out. Just the thought of it makes me laugh! Other reason not to create a 3-foot thorny moat is that it would decrease the width of my already small yard, which punishes me more than them and would be inexplicable to potential buyers. I wouldn’t be able to see/enjoy or maintain the bushes either. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/85 "2011-10-21T21:58:33Z")
Instead of a thorny moat, you could just [upgrade the existing fence](http://www.love-of-roses.com/climbing-roses.html). Less obvious that unspooling a roll of concertina wire on top of it and nearly as effective. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/86 "2011-10-21T22:03:03Z")
I am finding this thread fascinating, but I don’t really have anything of value to add. I have never lived anywhere, nor had friends who lived anywhere (other than the countryside) where there were not 6ft privacy fences, usually wood, but sometimes vinyl. ---
**Author:** ![PotLuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@PotLuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PotLuck)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2011, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/87 "2011-10-21T23:06:53Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > Instead of a thorny moat, you could just [upgrade the existing fence](http://www.love-of-roses.com/climbing-roses.html). Less obvious that unspooling a roll of concertina wire on top of it and nearly as effective. This was covered yesterday in post #59. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2011, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/88 "2011-11-04T17:56:58Z")
Potluck - todays Woot! has security cameras for a crazy good price.\* Made me think of you. > **[Woot](https://www.woot.com/)** \*I know nothing about security cameras in general, or these in particular, just saw the good price and thought I’d advise you to check it out. . . ---
**Author:** ![ballardfam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8797f3/32.png) [@ballardfam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ballardfam)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2011, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/89 "2011-11-04T19:10:27Z")
My parents bought a house about 20 years ago that had the neighbor’s fence 8 inches into their (the neighbors) lot. The neighbors explained that they did it because the house my parents bought was previously owned by a hoarder. They did not want her to continue leaning crap (we’re talking dump stuff) against the fence and had consulted a lawyer and this was his solution. They paid entirely for that fence. Of course, they had to formally inform the hoarder of the new ‘rules’ and were willing to go to court if they needed to enforce it. You may not want to go down that road. Personally, if I had anyone entering my home (my yard is an extension of my home) without permission I’d go to the mat on it. But that’s me, you sound significantly more laid back on this issue. ---
**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:** [November 4, 2011, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/90 "2011-11-04T21:31:15Z")
> [@PotLuck](#): > > How do I prove the fence isn’t enough of a solution without the cameras? Well, you’re aware there’s a issue now without cameras, right? Put up the fence and I’m pretty sure you’ll know when they’ve trespassed. If you don’t know when they’ve tresspassed, well then I guess I’m not sure why you’d be so bothered. > [@TruCelt](#): > > Potluck - todays Woot! has security cameras for a crazy good price.\* Made me think of you. > > [http://www.woot.com/](http://www.woot.com/) > > \*I know nothing about security cameras in general, or these in particular, just saw the good price and thought I’d advise you to check it out. . . Saw these today too and thought the same thing. ---
**Author:** ![PotLuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@PotLuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PotLuck)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2011, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/91 "2011-11-04T22:28:51Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > Well, you’re aware there’s a issue now without cameras, right? Put up the fence and I’m pretty sure you’ll know when they’ve trespassed. If you don’t know when they’ve tresspassed, well then I guess I’m not sure why you’d be so bothered. As I said in post #84, “After the fence, the only reason to climb over is to trespass for the sake of irritating me and/ **or vandalize my backyard** ” (bolding added); as Ibanez correctly surmised in post #80, “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 it’s going to get ugly.” Installing cameras _after_ they’ve exacted their revenge makes no sense whatsoever. So far their vandalism has petty and inexpensive: trampled flowers and strewn garbage. They’ll be definitely be enraged when I erect my fence and if they retaliate I want to be able to do more than just report their trespassing/vandalism to the police with a strong hunch, I want to **prove** my south-facing neighbours did it and press charges. Why involve the police in a “she said/they said” squabble when I can provide solid evidence instead? To that end, I’m definitely looking into the Woot deal – thanks, **TruCelt**! ---
**Author:** ![phreesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@phreesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phreesh)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2011, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/92 "2011-11-04T22:35:15Z")
Despite all their aqgravation, I’d at least give them an opportunity to influence the style of fence and to pay for half. If somebody I lived next to just put up a fence without consulting me, I’d be pissed. And much more inclined to be a dick in the future. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2011, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/93 "2011-11-04T22:48:16Z")
> [@phreesh](#): > > Despite all their aqgravation, I’d at least give them an opportunity to influence the style of fence and to pay for half. If somebody I lived next to just put up a fence without consulting me, I’d be pissed. And much more inclined to be a dick in the future. If you read the whole thread, these aren’t reasonable neighbors and they have boundary issues. They’ve yelled at the OP for being in his own backyard! These aren’t people looking for a compromise. I’m curious – what if your neighbor consulted you and was dead set on getting a fence that you happened to hate? As long as he is paying 100%, and it’s all on his property, there’s nothing you can really be upset by. If you hate it enough, you could always erect your own fence adjacent to his. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2011, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/94 "2011-11-04T22:58:04Z")
I would get the cameras up first, and consider notifying the police/Mounties/appropriate authorities that you are putting up a fence. I would not put it past these neighbors to interfere with your contractors when they are doing the installation. ---
**Author:** ![PotLuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@PotLuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PotLuck)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2011, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/95 "2011-11-04T23:32:00Z")
> [@Algher](#): > > I would get the cameras up first, and consider notifying the police/Mounties/appropriate authorities that you are putting up a fence. I would not put it past these neighbors to interfere with your contractors when they are doing the installation. The cameras are going up in December and the fence (finances willing) goes up in the spring after getting an assessment from the city to confirm the exact property line. I’m also printing out copies of the laws that back me up if the neighbours kick off and I’ll call the police if they try anything; I’ll be present for every step of the installation. (Interestingly, the city does have a process to legally contest neighbour’s fences. The application fee is $1,200. :)) Sadly, Woot doesn’t deliver to Canada but I really like the configuration Zmodo offers. They’re on the maybe list. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2011, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/96 "2011-11-04T23:46:15Z")
> [@phreesh](#): > > Despite all their aqgravation, I’d at least give them an opportunity to influence the style of fence and to pay for half. If somebody I lived next to just put up a fence without consulting me, I’d be pissed. And much more inclined to be a dick in the future. If you read the various fence laws I posted, you’d see that you generally have fuck-all to say about it. You want to be a dick after that, then it’s on you. A show of your character. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2011, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/97 "2011-11-05T01:58:39Z")
In fact, if he doesn’t remove the old fence, his lovely new structure becomes a ‘privacy structure’, and, as such, is far less restricted by codes, at least in Ontario. ---
**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:** [November 5, 2011, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/98 "2011-11-05T05:13:15Z")
> [@PotLuck](#): > > The cameras are going up in December and the fence (finances willing) goes up in the spring after getting an assessment from the city to confirm the exact property line. I’m also printing out copies of the laws that back me up if the neighbours kick off and I’ll call the police if they try anything; I’ll be present for every step of the installation. (Interestingly, the city does have a process to legally contest neighbour’s fences. The application fee is $1,200. :)) > > Sadly, Woot doesn’t deliver to Canada but I really like the configuration Zmodo offers. They’re on the maybe list. Sounds like a good plan. {Two thumbs way up!} ---
**Author:** ![Sue\_Duhnym](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/91b2a8/32.png) [@Sue\_Duhnym](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sue_Duhnym)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2011, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880/99 "2011-11-05T18:41:31Z")
[Costco.com](http://Costco.com) has boatloads of monitoring camera systems. From $100 all the way up to $2K. Check them out. Hell, they probably have fencing too, knowing Costco. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-fences-make-good-neighbours-but-how-do-you-make-the-fence/599880.md?page=4)