Your Best Fencing Options When Pet or Child Safety is a Priority
We often think of fences as an aesthetic part of our yard. They allow us to have our own secluded slice of the world, away from prying eyes. However, it’s important to remember that fences offer safety to our families and neighbors, as well. They can keep children and pets in a safe, watchable area, help keep out pests and intruders, and can help keep areas like pools safe from incident.
There are a wide variety of backyard fences available that can suit different needs, and different types of landscaping. One backyard might fare well with a wood fence, while others might be better complemented by wrought iron. Are you looking for ways to keep your yard safe? Here are a few facts about outdoor fences that you should keep in mind.
Fencing for Pets and Small Children
- Many of us live busy lives, and we can’t take our kids or dogs to the park everyday so that they can run around freely. A backyard fence is often the solution for this. Some options, though, are more ideal than others.
- Wrought iron fences are not always ideal for keeping children and pets in a yard. Older children will find it possible to climb up and over the fence — smaller pets will find it easy to wriggle through the bars.
- Some dogs enjoy being able to watch passing vehicles and people — others will start barking. If your dog is likely to become agitated, invest in fencing that has no space between pickets, cutting off outside visuals.
- For dogs that like to climb, installing a six-foot high fence is wise. Dogs able to jump over four feet fences are not unheard of.
- Don’t place launch pads next to outdoor fences — dogs and even children will use trees, doghouses, and tables as a way to get over.
Fencing for Pool Areas
- Not only is it a good idea to fence around your pool, but in many states, pool fencing is required by law. The typical requirements include a height of at least four feet, a self-closing, self-latching gate, and picket spaces smaller than four inches.
- Nearly 500 children drown in pools every year, and although the numbers are unknown for dogs, they are likely similar. Do not assume a dog will instinctively know how to leave a pool. Adequate fencing will help prevent a tragic loss for either you, or a neighbor.
What residential fencing options are you interested in? Let us know in the comments.