Fence Etiquette 101: Stay on Good Terms with Your Neighbors!

At Mossy Oak Tampa, we know that adding a new fence to your property affects your neighbors as much as it changes your own experience of your yard. It is important to maintain a good relationship with those who live around you. Your community is a big part of your neighborhood and your homeownership experience. We’ve rounded up a few key tips for maintaining proper fence etiquette no matter the fence you choose. 

1. Always communicate with your neighbors.

First and foremost, it is always a good idea to let your neighbors know that you’re planning to put up a new fence. Keep them posted on any details of the installation and design that might affect them. Think of what you’d like to know if your positions were switched, and your neighbor was the one installing a new fence. It’s generally courteous to let your neighbor know how high the fence will be, what the fence will look like, where the fence will be installed, what the general installation timeline will be, and why you’ve decided to put up a fence in the first place. Odds are good that if your neighbor understands your need for a new fence—say, keeping a new pet or a toddler safe, for instance—they’ll be a lot more likely to be understanding about the fence overall. 

2. Know your property lines (or find out where they are). 

You’re going to want to be sure you know where exactly your property ends and your neighbors’ property begins. The last thing you need during or after a new fence installation is to find out that you’ve accidentally installed said fence on your neighbors’ side of the property line. There’s typically no quicker way to get into a serious fight with your neighbors than to accidentally encroach on their property. It’s also important to know where your property begins so that if your neighbor does have any push-back, you can clearly show them where on your own property you plan to put the fence (and remind them that as it is your own property, you’re allowed to do what you want with it). 

3. Be gracious about the fence installation, design, and upkeep. 

Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to be kind about the installation, design, and upkeep of your new fence. Nobody wants to have to face the “bad side” of the fence. The kind thing to do is to either have the “bad side” face your own yard (so that the neighbor can look at the “good side” of the fence) or to choose a fence design that does not have a bad side. At Mossy Oak, our team of experts can help you decide on a fence design that looks good on both sides, so that no one has to sacrifice a good view from their yard. On the same note, it’s always good manners to make sure to keep your fence looking good and functioning well—the last thing anyone wants to deal with is an eyesore of a fence (or a fence that’s become dangerous out of disrepair). 

These are just a few great ways to ensure that your new fence doesn’t cause any fights. Often, if you follow proper fence etiquette, your neighbors might even appreciate your new fence as much as you do, and can even strengthen your relationship with the people around you. 

Mossy Oak Fence Tampa

Reach out to us today at (813) 590-4482 for help and assistance with all your fencing needs. We will partner you with our friendly design experts, who will make sure you maximize all the potential space you have in your yard, quickly and hassle-free!