• Install fencing to enhance your lawn.fence image by Sorawut from Fotolia.com
  
  Fences can serve multiple purposes. They can give your lawn privacy, keep out unwanted guests and pests, or they can simply add decoration to your space. There are, of course, a variety of materials and designs to use that you should choose based on the purpose of your fence. Choosing the right fence, properly installing it and maintaining it will help keep it looking new longer.
  
  

Treating Fencing

• Treating fencing to ward off rust and mold will help your fence last longer and look better. Fence posts are especially susceptible to mold and rust as they are thrust deep into the damp ground. Paint wooden slats with a mold resistant paint or with a water resistant coating. Paint metal fence posts with a rust resistant paint or clear sealant. You can also purchase pretreated fencing at home improvement or hardware stores.
  
  

Use Netting

• Some homeowners install plastic or wire netting or meshing to prevent both small and large pests from getting into their lawns or gardens. Other homeowners, however, do not like the look of that type of fencing. If this is the case, install clear plastic netting around the bottom few inches on only one side of the fence. If you are concerned about moles, consider digging a trench and putting wire fencing a few inches underground as well. This will not keep out all of the moles, but it will make their journey to your yard more difficult.
  
  

Fence Tops

• Some homeowners choose to leave the top of their fence posts and fence slats completely flat. This can lend a geometric and contemporary aesthetic to the fence. Flat surfaces can, however, cause water and snow to pool, which can lead to rotting and rusting. Avoid this by slanting the fence posts and slats before you build the fence and lower the posts. If you still want a contemporary look, chisel the edges of the fence top to create a slight pyramid.