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Not all fences are idyllic white picket fences that wrap around suburban homes; there are many fences that actually make headlines because of the controversy they cause. These stories just emphasize how important it is to carefully consider the type and placement of any fence, as well as the fencing company, before work begins.

Deception and Theft

When the Zehr family chose McMurphy’s Fencing to install a $2,000 vinyl and chain link fence to keep a retention pond gator away from their dogs, they trusted the company’s claims of quality craftsmanship and work ethic. Mr. and Mrs. Zehr even agreed to pay $1,100 up front upon signing the contract with the company’s owner and employee, Jacob McMurphy. (more…)

Invisible fences have become very popular in the past years for homeowners looking to contain their dogs without installing an entire physical fence system. But as many dog owners can tell you, the invisible fences are hardly reliable and they actually have many downfalls. If you are debating the best way to keep your dog safe but happy, while still helping your yard look attractive, a professionally installed fence is the best way to go.

The Downfalls of Invisible Fences

Invisible fences are also called wireless or electric fences, and they work with a wire installed around the perimeter of your yard. The wire is set to emit radio signals that are sent to your dog’s collar, and when Fido steps too close to the invisible boundary, his collar beeps a warning. If your dog ignores the warning beep and gets even closer, he receives a small shock to discourage him from crossing. (more…)

The White House, along with the Statue of Liberty, is the ultimate symbol of American patriotism. Every day, thousands and thousands of people flock to Pennsylvania Avenue to look at the famous building where the President lives and conducts business that determines the success and wealth of the American people. But not all visitors arrive at the White House with the best of intentions, and White House security is trying to keep up.

The White House fence is currently about seven feet tall, and plenty of people have taken advantage of its unintimidating height to jump over. There are a plethora of news stories proclaiming, “Man Jumps White House Fence, Gets Tackled!” or “White House Fence Jumper Released from Custody.” Only one month ago a man threw his backpack over the fence, jumped the fence, and was immediately arrested by the Secret Service. (more…)

A white picket fence is more than just an assembly of wood used to outline a home’s lawn.  In America, the white picket fence has become an icon since its early use during the colonial era.

Practical Use of the White Picket Fence

On the practical side, a white picket fence is an attractive way to keep children and pets in the yard without blocking the new from the road. Most white picket fences aren’t more than four feet tall in order to maintain an open yard feeling. A horizontal top rail and bottom rail are easily attached to fence posts and installed into the ground for a symmetric and uniform appearance. Throughout history these fences were constructed of wood and painted white, but today other non-wood options like vinyl and PVC have also become popular. (more…)

Nothing can transform the appearance of a yard quite like a fence, except a fence that has beautiful landscaping planted strategically around it. For Florida home and business owners, intense summer heat and frequent water shortages can lead to difficult and even disastrous landscaping. It’s a prudent choice to plan fence-side landscaping that can endure long, dry summers while still looking gorgeous.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most iconic flowering plants, and it’s a happy coincidence that Lavender is extremely self-sufficient in hot and dry growing conditions. Not only will the aroma of these flowers help you feel calm and relaxed, but their blue, purple, and pink colors will look stunning lining your backyard fence. Lavender’s most amazing quality is its ability to tolerate very poor soil. This plant can even grow in sand and gravel! (more…)

There’s no denying that chain link fences are practical. They’re affordable, easy to install, and even easier to maintain. However, chain link fences don’t always carry the aesthetic appeal of decorative aluminum or rustic wood.

Rather than admit defeat, using these strategies can transform your chain link fence into a lovely addition to your yard.

Flowering Vines and Plants

Who doesn’t love a beautiful flowering vine? Morning Glory, Honeysuckle, and Wisteria are all stunning and will make your chain link fence look more like a gardening masterpiece than a collection of metal. English and Boston ivy also get the job done with their hardy evergreen nature. Not only will ivy cover your fence, but it will add a splash of color during the winter and provide a backdrop for any other gardening you choose to do. (more…)

When the winter finally ends and makes way for warm and balmy spring weather, there’s quite a bit for you to do! Other than jumping in puddles and digging out your short sleeved shirts, it’s also time for spring cleaning. If you love to keep your home immaculate and organized, then you’re probably excited by the prospect of a full spring cleaning to meet a new season with a freshly prepared interior. But you can’t forget to spring clean the outside of your home either, especially your fence!

The most popular types of fence have quickly become vinyl and aluminum because they’re low maintenance, decorative, inexpensive, and durable. Since vinyl and aluminum are not porous surfaces, they don’t absorb moisture or other elements that would diminish its quality. However, no fence is 100 percent hands-off, so even vinyl and aluminum require some spring cleaning effort to clear off the dirt, algae, and grime that has accumulated. (more…)

If you’ve decided it’s time to add a fence onto your property, you may be puzzling over which type of fence will provide the best exterior design while also providing adequate security. If you live in a neighborhood with strict Home Owner’s Association rules, the choice may already be made for you. If you can select any type of fence you’d like, you have many options open for your consideration!

Aluminum. Aluminum is basic, attractive, and low-maintenance. However, it’s not as strong as other fence materials and isn’t recommended for areas at risk of severe weather. Aluminum also isn’t the best in terms of security. While it certainly provides property separation and an inherent level of privacy, it isn’t the right choice if security is your top priority. (more…)