There are many solutions available to you for erecting a garden fence that fulfills its role while being aesthetic, but be careful to respect the rules in force!
Garden fence regulations
According to article 647 of the Civil Code, any owner has the right to establish a fence on his land.
However, certain standards concerning the height, the materials used and the color of the fence must be respected, they are usually detailed in
the Local Urban Plan (PLU)
of your municipality.
All this with the aim of respecting urban aesthetics, safety and good neighborliness.
In the absence of specific local regulations, the standard height of the fence must be
a maximum of 2.60 meters
in municipalities with less than 50,000 inhabitants and 3.20 meters in those with 50,000 inhabitants and more.
For fences whose height exceeds 2 meters, a prior declaration of works is often necessary, especially in classified or protected areas.
It is also important to place the fence on the property line, unless otherwise agreed with the neighbor, particularly for adjoining fences where rights are shared.
Also read: Do you know the rules you absolutely need to know before starting to build a fence?
Determine your fencing needs
First of all, take stock of your constraints and needs regarding the garden fence.
To prioritize protection and security, opt for high, solid fences such as walls or sturdy mesh.
To preserve privacy, solid panels, dense hedges or privacy hedges are effective.
If the main objective is aesthetic and limiting, lighter, plant-based and/or decorative options may be suitable.
It is also important to define your budget, evaluate the installation work, as well as the maintenance and durability of the fence.
The environmental impact can also be considered, with a preference for natural materials that promote biodiversity.
The different types of fences and their materials
There are a large number of styles of fences, involving different materials and meeting everyone's needs more or less well.
We offer you the main ones here to help you in your choice.
Flexible or rigid metal mesh
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Metal mesh is a common choice for garden fences because it is
robust and versatile
, there are 2 types:
Flexible mesh
: is the most economical fencing solution.
It is easy to install and is suitable for various garden configurations, including for example to demarcate different spaces in the same garden: children's games, vegetable garden, henhouse and other animal enclosures (doubled if necessary with an electric fence);
Rigid mesh:
more expensive, is ideal for increasing security because it is extremely resistant, no intrusion possible (except over it, of course, like any fence).
It is possible to improve the aesthetics and functionality by adding a flexible privacy screen, by integrating PVC slats or strands of artificial hedge, which limit the view and reduce the impact of the wind.
Panels and fences
Panels and palisades are effective fences for an average budget, they come in various materials:
Wooden panels
bring a natural charm while being ecological.
Available in a variety of species, such as cedar, pine or cypress, they can adapt to all styles of gardens.
On the other hand, wood requires regular treatments to resist humidity, UV rays and insects for a long time;
PVC and composite material
panels represent a good solution for a maintenance-free fence.
They also offer good protection from winds and prying eyes.
Resistant to fading, cracking and mold, they will be perfect in all climates!
Metal, steel or aluminum panels combine robustness, protection, safety and longevity.
They are particularly suitable for modern gardens, sometimes refined, sometimes more complex and artistic.
Concerning maintenance, it will essentially involve renewing the paint in order to maintain a protective layer against corrosion and rust.
Read alsoThe claustra: the ideal arrangement for partitioning a garden
Stone, brick and concrete fence walls
“Hard” walls, stone, brick or concrete are more high-end fencing choices, combining refinement and foolproof solidity!
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“Hard” walls, stone, brick or concrete are more high-end fencing choices, combining refinement and foolproof solidity!
These fences are available in
a variety of textures
and colors for endless results.
Natural stone walls, for example, are rather classic.
If the brick walls are more traditional in their raw state, they can be painted to gain originality.
Concrete, on the other hand, is extremely versatile and can be molded, colored and textured to fit into any decorative ambiance.
All are
sustainable and economical solutions
in the long term, although the implementation work (which requires a professional level) and the initial cost can be significant.
Plant dividing hedges
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No use without permission.
Hedges, made up of plants and shrubs, are ideal for creating a natural barrier while beautifying the garden.
For example, cherry laurel, thuja, boxwood or beech are excellent choices for quickly obtaining a
dense separation that will cut the wind and guarantee privacy.
For a more floral separation,
Forsythia
,
Weigela
, or Hydrangea
bring
a touch of color with their vibrant flowers.
The best thing is to opt for a mixed hedge, combining evergreen shrubs and visually attractive flowering plants all year round.
This type of plant fence requires a certain amount of time before obtaining adequate coverage.
even if you choose
fast-growing plants.
If it forms a rampart, the hedge will allow animals, even children, to pass, mainly at ground level.
It will also need a minimum of maintenance between watering (especially at the beginning) and regular pruning in order to maintain its shape and avoid proliferation in the neighborhood or on public roads.