Fencing is a great way to add privacy and curb appeal to any size residential property. Choosing a material for the fence is one of the most important decisions a homeowner will need to make, and you can help guide them after learning more about the best materials for their residential fence project.

Wood 

Wood fences are the most popular type of fence and have been around the longest. The type of style and range of colors are unlimited, and wood is a renewable resource if it has been sustainably harvested. The initial cost of a wood fence is much less than vinyl or composite, and if well-constructed, a wood fence will last for many years. Wood fences do require more maintenance than other types of fences. They need to be rinsed off on a regular basis and will need to be repainted or stained every 3-4 years. The upkeep cost of a wood fence will likely make it equal to or more expensive than the other types of fences.  

A fence is much more than just a structure that divides two areas of land.  Fencing can solve many problems for land or homeowners such as providing containment for livestock, increasing curb appeal, or offering safety and security. And regardless of the materials used, the most popular options being wire, aluminum, chain link, vinyl, wood and wrought iron, there are some do’s and don’ts when installing a fence to keep in mind.

In light of the many studies that have been published that show the negative effects of commercial pesticide use, there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for locally sourced produce. The consumers who want to buy local produce also tend to favor those farms that utilize sustainable farming practices to reduce their environmental impact. Soil erosion removes valuable top soil, which results in decreased crop yields. This is one farming concern that can be mitigated with an eco-friendly solution known as "gabion retaining walls." Here is a quick guide from eHow about gabion construction. 

Farm Fencing experts and hobby ranchers from Colorado, Carol Ekarius and her husband, Ken Woodard, wrote an article a few years back for Hobby Magazine. It discusses in a good amount of detail about building a fence for your farm. “Farm fencing is a big expense, both in terms of time and money, but it's one of the most important purchases a farmer will make, and it’s best made early in the process of setting up your farm,” according to Carol and Ken.  Without the right type of fencing for your farm, you could either be spending a lot of money on upkeep, or on recovering lost animals!  Here are a few of the highlights from the article:

Fences come in many shapes, sizes and materials, and can serve many purposes. As a contractor, you may be asked to build a small white picket fence to be a decorative border around a Victorian style home, or construct a 20 mile wire fence around the perimeter of a ranch. According to Charles Sanders, in his article for Backwoods Home Magazine entitled How to Build a Fence for your Homestead, “One of the basic fixtures on a homestead is fencing. Fences are used to keep animals in, or out, of areas. They are used to mark boundaries or provide attractive borders to properties.