Home Repair and Paint Guide

... There are a lot of reasons for building a fence around yards and patios. ... But what if fences are not allowed by local zoning ordinances or HOA restrictions? In this case a hedge of privacy bushes could work as a very nice substitute. Planting bushes and shrubs will provide a natural look to your yard and can grow high enough for privacy in areas that have two story houses. ... This type of layout requires less overall maintenance because the shape is allowed to follow a more natural growth path. ... In planning for a loose border, select shrubs that will attain the desired height and width. ... Make sure you leave enough setback from your property lines so the plants can grow without crossing over into your neighbor’s property. ... When planting loose borders for privacy, put your tallest plant selections in the back row and shortest in the front. ... Don’t crowd them, and also don’t leave too much space between each plant. ... Sunlight requirements for flowering bushes can be hard to meet if you have a lot of shade. ... Blackhaw Viburnum is a deciduous shrub that yields white flowers in May that turns to edible fruit ...

... Privacy fences are a good way to keep areas of your property shielded from the prying eyes of neighbors. ... The old cliche of  “out of sight, out of mind” applies. ... With the addition of a security system, you can keep everyone honest. ... Treated wood will last many years and has a classic look, but must be stained or painted to prevent deterioration. ... Some go as high as 8 feet. ... You need to know things like maximum height and setback from property lines. ... Remember that people living in two story houses can still see over the fence. ... This provides a high degree of privacy. ... Your zoning code may not allow a fence over 6 feet tall. ... Building a privacy fence is within the abilities of the average handyman. The pieces are not very heavy and construction techniques are pretty basic. ... Strong gusts will not only make construction difficult, but will also blow sections of the fence down if they are not installed to handle the force. ... If you use wood, select a type that has been chemically treated to resist rot and damage from insects ...