Fencing
on the North Coast:
A Sense of Place
Story
by K. Andarin Arvola
Think about it,
who ever looks at fences? Most of us don’t notice
them until we need one and then the bewildering amount of choices is
nearly overwhelming. Just driving around the north coast of Mendocino
County looking at fences is enlightening. There’s such a diversity
in styles, materials and execution that it can nearly stop us in our
tracks once we open our eyes. But one thing almost all the fences have
in common is that they reflect where we life; they enhance our sense
of place.
Security and Privacy
Why do we need a fence? And what kind? One of the ways to narrow the
choice is to think of function. The two most common reasons for fences
are security and privacy according to Bob Cane of Bob’s Custom
Fences in Fort Bragg.
When the United States was being settled by Europeans the country was
wide open and sparsely populated.
Boundary lines for property were
more flexible, materials more abundant. Settlers were often clearing
timber to grow crops. They had need of shelter not only for themselves
and their animals but to keep horses, cattle, chickens and hogs secure
from predators.
Fences then were often simple affairs that were stacked up in a zigzag
pattern to the desired height. They took up a fair amount of space.
When property lines became more defined fences evolved into straighter
and straighter lines. Look around, it’s still possible to see
examples of the old zigzag fence here on the coast.
Security still plays an important role in the need of fencing. The
population density requires fences not only in residential areas but
in commercial areas as well.
The need for privacy is the other main reason for a fence. Although
here on the coast we don’t have the density of population as
in urban areas, we can still feel the need for privacy. Tall, solid
fences give total privacy but may give a feeling of being hemmed in.
Solid “good neighbor” fences, can be combined with shrubs,
trees and other plants that soften the effect.
Partial privacy can be achieved by using fencing materials that have
a more open feel to them, such as lath. Vines planted on very open
fences are another option. A solution to security, privacy and beauty
can be achieved by planting roses with wicked thorns on a fence. It’s
beautiful and an effective deterrent to anyone trying to break into
a yard!
Hedges can be thought of as living fences and come in an abundance
of varieties. Best to check with local nurseries for what grows well
in our climate.
Other Fence Functions
The environment in which we live creates other functions for fences.
Here on the north coast people who live on the ocean often need to
screen for wind control. Glass, mounted in frames, can allow for
an uninterrupted view.
“Wind can be a major factor to consider with a fence,” says
Bob Cane. “With a six-foot-high fence, strength is important.
Posts need to be six inches by six inches rather than four by four.
Otherwise in a heavy wind your fence can fall down. Might as well build
it right the first time.”
Protection from the sun isn’t much of an issue here unless a
south-side patio needs shade. Living on a busy highway or street can
call for a fence to reduce noise.
Our climate is mostly mild and outdoor living can be enhanced by creating “rooms” in
our yards. Play areas for children, a meditation room and a barbecue
area for family and guests are just a few examples. Spas, hot tubs
and the rare swimming pool are often required to be fenced for safety.
In a more rural environment livestock must be secure behind fences.
Well-made and maintained fences add to the value of a home. Just fixing
an older fence or building a new fence can enhance the appearance of
almost any house.
Gone are the days when individuals can build any sort of fence they
want. Even in our rural environment it pays to find out what the local
rules and regulations are. Locally, they differ in a neighborhood in
town, coastal zones, historic districts and rural areas. Often the
regulations can be strict. It’s imperative to find out what governs
the fence you want to build or even tear down. Don’t necessarily
assume that an existing fence can be replaced in exactly the same way.
Building codes or zoning may have changed over the years.
City or county planning departments will be able to inform you of what
is allowed. Relying on a neighbor for information may prove to be an
expensive shortcut if that new fence has to be removed and rebuilt.
Checking the deed and title of the property is also a good idea. There
may be restrictions in place.
Unless there are boundary line stakes clearly marked it’s a good
idea to have the property surveyed by a licensed person or obtain an
existing surveyors parcel map (free from the title company). Many a
homeowner, more often in a rural place, has found out that the fence
is not only not on the property line but no where close.
In order to maintain the integrity of a subdivision there may be only
certain fences that are allowed. Deviating from the regulations could
bring on a lawsuit.
When constructing a fence on a property line it behooves both property
owners to discuss the materials, heights, who pays for the initial
construction and the ongoing maintenance. It’s a good idea to
get it all in writing. “Good fences make good neighbors”.
It’s best to anticipate problems rather than deal with them in
court.
A friend of mine (in another county) realized her fractious neighbors
were going to put up a ten-foot, solid wood fence between their property.
She knew this was illegal. “If I wanted to be really bad, I’d
wait until they pounded the last nail in the last board and then call
the planning department.” It turns out the neighbor didn’t
build the fence, but this sort of thing can happen.
Building a Fence
Terrain is an all important factor when building a fence. Unless it’s
flat, unobstructed and property lines are straight, the fence will
have to conform to the existing terrain. Questions to consider are
whether there’s a slope (steep or not), trees in the path of
the proposed fence, or if there is water that may affect the design
(a stream, blufftop, floodplain, or surface water), or rocks and other
obstructions.
So, now that the terrain and regulations have been researched, the
property line determined, the cooperation of the the neighbor enlisted,
the design of the fence and the material used decided upon—who
builds it?
The property owner may build it (with help from the neighbor), or it
may be wiser to hire a contractor to do the work.
There are three major components to fence building. Plotting the fence
line is the easiest (remember to be sure of property lines). Since
almost all fences require posts of some sort, determine the distance
between posts and stake their location. Then pound in posts, in the
case of metal t-posts, or dig post holes. Hand digging is only practical
if the fence line is not too long (or you have lots of time and energy).
Then set and align the posts.
There are a variety of ways to set posts; in gravel, rocks, dirt and
concrete. What material or combination of materials depends greatly
on the earth the posts are being set in, the slope of the land, and
how heavy the actual fence is going to be. If it’s solid, the
posts need to be closer together and strongly set. If concrete is used,
letting it dry for at least two days is a must or the posts can shift.
Aligning the posts is the most crucial step. This is not for the faint
of heart and is best done with a helper. It takes patience, a steady
hand and a good eye and several hundred words and diagrams to explain.
Best to get help, either with an experienced person or a detailed book.
“When thinking of building a lasting fence it’s the quality
of the wood, both posts and fence boards that’s important,” says
Cane. “Choose wood with minimal knots for strength.”
Once the important layout is complete, the posts set and aligned, then
it’s time to add whatever material the fence itself will be made
of. There’s a vast variety of choices, wire, rails, pickets,
grape stakes, vinyl, plastic/wire deer fencing, fiberglass panels,
translucent, patterned or clear glass (careful here), field fence for
most stock, none-climb metal for horses, wire mesh for poultry, bamboo,
lattice, lath, plywood, wood, reed, canvas, brick, stone, iron, chain-link,
patterned masonry or concrete blocks, stucco, aluminum and any combination
of the preceding and much, much more.
All it takes is imagination.
Imagination
Fences don’t have to be “ordinary”. With a bit of
imagination, a whimsical effect can be had. Think outside the box.
Adding non-typical materials can create something magical.
On a tall grape stake fence in Little River, the owners secured old,
mostly green glass telephone insulators to the tops. When the sun hits
the glass it lights up the whole area.
In a small solidly fenced backyard, the owner framed mirrors, then
secured them on the fence. The mirrors reflect other portions of the
yard giving a larger feel to the space.
Grates used for heat register covers, or even cook stoves can be placed
in fences not only for whimsy but to see through without sacrificing
privacy or security. Install an old window, complete with shutters
that can be closed, in the fence.
Colorful pottery can rest on a ledge built into a fence. Broken pottery
can be used as a mosaic to break up an otherwise ordinary fence. In
Sonoma County laser dices are imbedded along the length of the fence
and gate fronting a busy road.
Hang a collection of, for example, birdcages painted in rainbow colors
to break up a solid fence. Hang planters with cascading flowers for
the same reason.
Building a fence around a tree in an imaginative manner can save the
tree and add charm to a yard. Perhaps creating a bench around the tree
that reflects the design of the fence is an option.
Cut out patterns in a fence. Diamonds, squares, hearts; the possibilities
are endless.
The use of paint can be practical but also a bright red gate in an
unpainted wooden fence gives the eye a surprise. One wall painted at
the end of the garden draws the eye to the furthest end and gives the
illusion of more space.
To paint or not? It gives a clean and uniform look but maintenance
is ongoing and time-consuming. It often depends on the home. Is it
formal? That usually calls for a painted surface or is it a casual
home, a cottage that works well with unpainted wood.
Artists love to depict homes with interesting fences. I recall a series
of serigraphs that Dorr Bothwell produced in the 1960s of fences in
Mendocino. Currently, Erin Dertner paints our inspiring cottages and
their fences to great effect.
Fences can, as we’ve seen, be of many materials but an important
factor is that they provide a sense of place. They fit in with our
environment. Fences should mirror the structures they surround. Our
north coast has many styles from the formal Victorian to the casual
cottage, perhaps even an old farmhouse, sometimes as ultra-modern home.
It’s best to chose materials that reflect not only where we live
but how we live.
Resources
A special thanks to Bob Cane for all his help and explanations. Raised
on a ranch, he’s been building fences his whole life.
Bob Cane
Bob’s Custom Fencing
P.O. Box 658
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
707-964-2232
Mendo Mill
125 South Main Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
707-964-0215
Rossi’s
835 Stewart Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
707-964-4086
Dave Smith
Mendocino Superior Redwood
(locally custom-milled woods of all kinds)
707-964-5652 |