It might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when trying to set up a lawn, but separating merged yards is a common task that homeowners have to face at least once in their lifetime. Indeed, several factors might push you to create a separation between your yard and your neighbors’. One of the most common ones is reducing their “invasion” of your property. Keep reading if you want to learn how to separate merged front yards! You’ll find all the information you must have on hand in this essential guide!
How to Separate Merged Front Yards?
You might have never thought of this before, but once you get neighbors, you’ll understand how crucial having your privacy can be. And the good news is that you can achieve the ideal separation in several ways. For instance, you can build pathways, plant trees, and shrubs, or even install a fence.
Does all of this sound intriguing? Keep reading to get more in-depth information!
Create A Pathway
Building a pathway might be the best solution if you need physical separation between your property and your neighbors. After all, it is an attractive way to create a simple dividing line between your lawn and your neighbors’ property.
Remember that this method won’t provide you with more privacy, which you can achieve with other ways, such as planting shade shrubs. Still, building a pathway will eliminate any confusion about the borders of your lawns.
And doing one isn’t as challenging as you may think. So, here is a list of the activities you’ll have to face.
How To Build A Pathway
To begin with, you must choose a suitable material: there are several options out there, so you can unleash your creativity! Usually, gravel, wood, bricks, or even cement will provide satisfactory results. Then, you have to do some planning: use stakes and ropes to define where your pathway should go.
Finally, it comes the time to dig up the soil: you can do so using a sharp spade or a shovel: doing so will allow you to remove the sod and rocks that might be in your pathway’s way. Don’t forget to put some effort into leveling the soil.
You may or may not want to install edging around your path. Again, you can use several materials for this purpose, so ensure you pick the ones better suited to your needs and taste.
Then, you’ll have to lay the fabric on the soil to create a smooth surface and prevent weeds. You should add a layer of sand (at least 2 inches thick) before laying down the material.
Plant A Hedge
Another excellent way to create a border between your property and your neighbors is to plant privacy hedges. Besides making your lawn more private, these plants will also be sound and wind barriers, which often come in handy, especially if you like to spend time in your garden. Also, they might improve the looks of your garden, which is never negative.
Choosing species for your plant depends on your local climate and hardiness zone. And if you can, select native varieties (they usually have fewer issues).
Pick evergreen species if you don’t want to spend too much time with your hedges. Indeed, plants that don’t lose their leaves are not as messy as deciduous plants. Of course, your choice should also depend on the height and width you need for your hedge.
Making The Most Out Of Your Hedge
You’ll have to plan before planting a hedge to get satisfactory results. For instance, you must choose a suitable location for your plant, which you may want to “draw” using wooden stakes. And if you need to create straight rows, consider adding ties between the stake.
After digging a trench for your plant, you’ll have to maintain your hedge: water and feed it regularly to keep it thriving. Also, you may have to train your plants to grow in the shape you prefer.
Don’t forget to be patient with this process: it might take up to three growing seasons before seeing what you may expect. Plus, you’ll have to trim and prune your plant annually to keep it in an attractive shape.
Install A Fence
If you prefer not giving too much maintenance to your borders, you might be better off installing a fence. While this might be the less challenging option, you’ll have to take some measures before adding one to your garden.
To begin with, you’ll have to inform your neighbor about your idea. After all, you would like to install a wooden or metal physical border between your garden and his.
And not everybody might like this. Of course, you won’t always need to talk to your neighbor, especially if you are 100% sure you are into your property line. Still, informing your neighbor is an act of courtesy that he will generally respect and appreciate.
The following steps depend on where you live. Indeed, in some areas of the United States, there are limits on the acceptable measures for a fence. For instance, you’ll need a permit for those taller than 4 feet.
Check your local regulations to ensure you are not doing anything illegal. Also, you might have to consider installing your fence so that the “more attractive” side faces your neighbors. Of course, this is not a rule, but it is a polite gesture to maintain positive relationships with your neighbors while blocking their view.
How to Separate Merged Front Yards: Conclusion
As you can see there are a few ways to separate a merged front yard. It may be a good idea to discuss your ideas with your neighbours to find a solution that suits you all.
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