Fencing vs Hedges vs Walls: 3 Garden Boundary Options Compared

Pexels. CCO Licensed.

When physically marking the boundary of your backyard, there are three main options: fences, hedges and walls. Each offers a degree of privacy and security, but each also has its own benefits and drawbacks. Which boundary solution should you choose? This post compares the pros and cons of fences, hedges and walls.

Fencing

Fencing is the most affordable option to install. The average wood panel fence typically costs $15 to $35 per linear foot. This makes it a popular option for those on a tight budget.

Of course, you don’t have to choose a wood panel fence - the other great benefit of fencing is how diverse it is. You can build fencing from wood, plastic or metal. Fencing can also come in various different heights and decorative styles, and can be painted in a range of different colors. Some of these different styles of fencing may cost more, so this is something to consider when venturing beyond wooden panels. 

The privacy level offered by fencing can vary. Popular traditional   picket fence styles don’t offer much privacy compared to hedges and walls. Fencing also doesn’t muffle sound as effectively as a wall or hedge, meaning that your neighbors may still be able to eavesdrop on conversation and you’ll be able to hear them.

Another drawback of fencing is that it can be quite high maintenance - although this depends on the material. Wooden fencing needs to be regularly repainted and sealed, plus it can be prone to storm damage. Aluminium fencing or composite fencing is likely to be a lot more robust and low-maintenance. 

Hedges

Hedges are a natural boundary option. Their lush and green appearance makes them a warmer and more vibrant boundary option that offers great privacy. They can be built out of various different shrubs with different color and leaf shapes. Some hedges can even produce flowers. Boxwood, holly, forsythia, arborvitae and hornbeam are some of the most popular shrubs to use as hedges.

Building a hedge is great for the environment. Like all plants, hedges help purify the air by absorbing carbon and producing fresh oxygen. Hedges can also provide a home for wildlife ranging from butterflies to birds. In urban areas, this could be particularly important for nurturing the local wildlife population. 

Of course, hedges are very high maintenance. To keep them looking neat and shaped, you have to regularly trim them back. You’ll need to buy the right tools for doing this - an electric tool such as a Worx hedge trimmer is recommended instead of relying on traditional hedge cutters. During dry periods, hedges may also need to be watered

Some hedges are slow-growing and therefore could take a while to reach the desired size and shape. During certain periods of the year, some species of hedges may also lose their leaves. This could lead to a hedge looking temporarily less attractive, which is something to be prepared for if you opt to grow a hedge.

Walls

Walls provide a tougher and more rigid boundary that can withstand harsh weather conditions. You can even use walls to prevent flooding if you live near a river or lake. Compared to fences and hedges, walls will last much longer, while requiring much less maintenance.

A wall also offers the most security and privacy of any boundary option. You can’t easily break down a wall and they can be hard to scale. Walls also don’t have any gaps that you can see through and tend to dampen sounds more effectively than hedges or fences. On top of helping to keep outdoor conversations private, brick walls can also be used to reduce noise if your property backs onto a busy highway or railway. 

The biggest drawback of a wall is that it’s more expensive to build than both a fence or a hedge. In fact, you’re looking at about $20 to $50 per linear foot (depending on the height, type of brick you use and whether you hire laborers). This makes a wall unsuitable for the perimeter of a larger property unless you’ve got a lot of money to spend.

Walls can come in many different styles and can be very attractive, however they are not quite as diverse in style as hedges or fences. A neighbor may also see the act of putting up a wall as slightly more hostile than erecting a fence or a hedge, and getting a zoning permit could be more tricky in some circumstances.

Fence, hedge or wall?

It is really up to personal preference whether you choose a fence, hedge or wall. However, you should try to consider the practical benefits of each, and determine whether any of these could be applicable to your needs. This will ensure that you choose a boundary that you like the look of, while serving a useful function.

If you want to create a boundary while still letting in light and not obstructing views, fencing could be a good option. Options like picket fencing, rail fencing and lattice fencing still allow you to see partially through them, while most hedges and walls are designed to not be seen through. Fencing is also the best option for those on a tight budget.

If you want to block out noise and intruders, a wall is meanwhile the most effective option. Walls can be built thick enough to reduce noise by 30 to 40 decibels, while being built high and smooth to prevent people climbing them. That said, certain hedge plants like holly and brambles can offer security while muffling noise, while certain fence materials can deflect sound and be deliberately hard to climb. 

If you want to encourage more wildlife into your garden and improve local air quality, then hedges are the best choice. Hedges are living walls that are good for the local environment, while also looking stunning. Walls and fences can still support climbing plants and hanging baskets, but do not have quite the same impact as a hedge. Just be prepared to take on the upkeep of a hedge if you do choose this boundary option.