Hedging Or Fencing: How To Choose The Best Option For Extra Privacy In Your Yard

Having a little privacy in your yard can be nice. It can help you enjoy time with your family or allow you to do yard work without feeling like you're being watched. There are a couple of different ways to achieve the level of privacy you desire in your yard: installing a privacy fence or planting a row of hedges. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and there are several factors to consider when determining which is best for your yard. 

Since both privacy fencing and hedge installation can be pricey, it's a good idea to know the good, bad, and ugly about each before you make the investment. From cost to maintenance to the extra steps you might need to take prior to installation, there may be more to consider than you expect. Another reason to research each option thoroughly is that making the wrong choice can negatively impact your home's aesthetic and possibly even drive a wedge between you and your homeowners association. Both hedging and fencing can help you create a more private yard, though.

One great reason to choose hedges for more yard privacy is the price. The average cost to have 50 feet of hedges installed is $1,100, whereas the average cost of 50 feet of vinyl fence installation is between $1,500 and $3,000. If you plan to have a gate installed anywhere along the fence, that will also add to the total cost. Other benefits of hedges include their natural aesthetic, which can make them look great as a backdrop for your yard and garden. They are also the more eco-friendly choice, as they provide oxygen for humans and serve as a habitat for small animals. They can also absorb annoying sound frequencies and may even increase your home's value.

While these are great benefits, it's also important to know the downsides. First, if you plan to install hedges along the front of your property, you may need someone from the city to mark the location of underground utilities. Underground lines could be damaged during the installation process or as roots spread. If you have a septic tank, a row of hedges could cause issues, as well. Hedges also need regular trimming to keep them from growing into the street or taking up too much space in your yard. If you are unable or don't have the time to perform regular maintenance, hiring a landscaper will be an additional expense. Another downside to hedges is that they take time to grow, so you may not get the privacy you want right away.

Vinyl and wood privacy fences, although the more expensive option, are a great choice for creating a more private yard. They come in a wide variety of heights and styles. The clean lines of a privacy fence can also enhance your yard's aesthetic and increase your property value.

Though the upfront cost of a privacy fence is more than that of hedges, vinyl fences generally come with a manufacturer's warranty. Sometimes these warranties span the life of the fence, which is around 30 years. Solid vinyl fences also provide instant privacy — there's no need to wait for what could be years, as with hedges. If you want to save on the cost, you could also opt for a material other than vinyl, such as metal. Installing a chain link fence and adding a privacy screen or privacy slats is another option. For metal, wood, and chain link, the warranties are generally shorter, and you won't achieve the same aesthetic as with vinyl.

Privacy fences have more downsides than just the price. If your neighborhood has an HOA, it may have rules about what type of fence can be installed or whether they are even allowed. Also, though less so than with hedges, maintenance is still required for fences. Edging around and under the fence can be painstaking, and you will need to wash your fence occasionally, as well. Since there's no privacy option that's issue-free, you have to weigh each factor to choose the one that suits your life the best.