IN the grand scheme of things, the garden fence isn't a top priority – but maintenance does require some delicate handling to avoid sparking a row with the neighbours.

Boundaries can, quite literally, be crossed – and the last thing you want is to commit an infuriating fence faux pas that causes a feud with Mr and Mrs Smith next door.

It's actually a lot more common issue than you'd think.

Here, construction expert Thomas Goodman at Myjobquote.co.uk and engineer James Mayfield share the biggest issues they see day-to-day, and how to avoid any neighbourly nightmares…

Breaking boundaries

It may seem petty to fall out over a fence, but actually there are plenty of ways your relationship with your next door neighbours can sour if you're not careful.

Thomas says: "The biggest fence issues between neighbours are positioning and maintenance.

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"Moving a fence by a few inches often causes arguments and many neighbours fall out over who’s responsibility it is to maintain them."

For example, James Mayfield – engineer and the CEO of Mayfield Environmental Engineering – adds: " A few years ago I was installing a traditional picket fence.

"The neighbour strolled over and remarked, 'Looks fantastic, but I believe that's an inch over into my garden.'

"We'd been extra careful with measurements, but it turned out the neighbour's property deed had a different take on the border than the city's records.

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"Thankfully it ended up as a good-natured dispute settled over a few cold ones – and we moved the fence an inch!

"That's the kind of situation where rows between neighbours often spring from – minor misunderstandings or ambiguities about property lines.

"Hence, I always stress the importance of getting all the official measurements and permissions in order before we even start digging holes."

Avoid a fence fail

To avoid any clashes, it's therefore important to make sure you plan ahead, and inform those who may be impacted by the works.

Thomas says: "If you’re installing a new fence, it’s worth discussing it with your neighbours first, to make sure they’re OK with it.

"If you have shared boundaries on both sides, then usually only one side is your responsibility.

"So, you may find you can’t change all the fences.

"On the plus side, your neighbours may be happy to share the installation costs, saving you money.

"Fences come in different heights, so when you’re putting a fence in for the first time you need to consider this carefully.

"If it’s too high, you could block out the sunlight.

And if it’s too low, you may not have enough privacy.

"If you’re simply replacing your panels, be sure to get the right width for your posts.

"Most are a 1.83m width, but it’s best to check rather than assume."

Check planning permission

Check you have all the proper permissions before you start work too.

Thomas says: "Many people are unaware that you sometimes need planning permission to put up a fence.

"Usually fences over two metres in your garden need planning permission.

"For road-facing gardens, fences higher than one metre usually need permission too."

Avoiding a fence feud

The key to avoiding an all-out argument with those living next door, communication is key, even if you personally don't foresee any issues.

James says: "I've found that what works for one person may not work for another, so the key to preventing disputes is open and respectful communication with all parties involved.

"Neighbours may not always have the same vision for a fence's aesthetic, height, or colour.

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"One neighbor might be dreaming of a high, privacy-ensuring fence, while the other would prefer a lower, friendlier version.

"That's why we also recommend and offer mediation and consulting services, helping all parties find common ground – and the ideal fence."

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