Creating new boundaries

You will also need to consider your budget. There
is a significant difference in cost between a timber
paling fence and a concrete block wall. If you are
on a budget, then a basic timber paling fence
painted or left in its natural state and softened
with shrubs or climbers is a good solution. Ask a
professional landscape designer or architect for
their ideas. And get a couple of quotes from
reputable landscape contractors or builders before
getting started.
Privacy
If its privacy you require, then solid materials such
as timber boards, brick, stone, concrete, and
corrugated iron would work well. In most cases
you can build a fence or wall to 1.8m high on the
boundary. Anything higher will require a resource
consent. You can achieve varying degrees of
privacy by using timber in a louver-style or an
open slat style or trellis to create a sense of
openness. Wrought iron is strong, enduring
material that fits in with a number of looks. You
can also create a living fence and windbreak
using plants. They provide all the benefits of a
built fence, with the additional advantage of
flowers, foliage and scent. There are a number of
shrubs and trees both native and exotic that grow
superbly in a number of situations, such as;
Griselina littoralis
Camellia
Pittosporum
Photina ‘Red robin’
Corokia
Eugenia ventinati
Podocarpus totora
Security
If security is important to you and your family, then
once again opt for high solid fence This may give
you the feeling of security, however, sometimes it
may have the opposite effect. Imagine how much
easier it is for intruders to target a house that is
not visible from the street or properties nearby.
Trellis, wrought iron or glass inserts can provide
views in and out of the property, while living areas
still remain private. Apparently, having a place that
is open, instead of fenced in, is less likely to be
broken into, thereby minimizing burglaries. Also,
having a high fence around your property can
block out valuable light and create shady areas
within your garden.
Safety for pets and children
Pets and children need to be kept save on your
property. A fence that is solid and well
constructed provides an effective solution. The
height of the fence is important. Children can
easily scale a low fence and dogs can leap over
and quickly escape. A solid fence ensures little
dogs can’t squeeze through the gaps. Gates will
need to be also installed across the driveway and
in openings around the property.
Defining boundaries
As properties get smaller and in-fill housing
becomes more commonplace, boundaries are
firmly declared with fences or walls. Issues with
privacy from neighbours have become a common
problem for homeowners. Fencing alone does not
solve this problem. Clever and intelligent planting
can offer some additional privacy as well has
softening the harsh lines between homes.
Reduce traffic noise
A wall can help to reduce the noise of traffic if you
live near a busy road. The wall must be solid with
no penetrations in order to be effective. Any
penetration, opening or gate can lessen the
effectiveness of the barriers. Concrete walls are
preferred but you can use other materials.
Spaces within the garden
Fences or screens give you the opportunity to
create and define outdoor rooms within your
property They give protection from the weather to
provide sheltered entertainment and seating
areas. Microclimates can be created for potages
or cold sensitive planting themes.
Protection from the wind
High walls or fencing can also act as a buffer from
prevailing winds but they do not completely block
them out. The wind simply hits the solid fence with
full force, surges over and causes worse
turbulence on the lee side. However, a slatted
screen or spaces left in a wall or fence, allows the
air currents to pass through it, reducing its force.
Pool fencing
If you own a pool or spa you are required under
the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and
Building Act 2004 to erect a 1.2m high fence to
completely enclose the pool or spa area. There
are a number of other regulations that you must
adhere to prevent children entering a pool area
unsupervised. Some council’s have additional,
differing requirements. I would highly recommend
you arm yourself with all the information about
pool fencing before you start a landscape project
of this scale. There are a range of fencing
materials available including glass, wrought iron
and stainless steel. The design and finish
depends on what you want to achieve.