In the UK most of our gardens have some type of boundary around them whether it be conifer or privet hedging or the common larch lap fencing but if you want to install or change the border to your property what are the advantages and disadvantages of fencing and hedging?
The majority of people who choose fencing over hedging do so because of the burden of pruning the hedge at regular intervals which in turn means having to own a hedge trimmer or employ a gardener to prune the hedge for you. There is also the problem of getting rid of the hedge trimmings which can be difficult if you do not have the means to transport them to a local recycling centre or do not have a kerbside collection service for garden waste. The upkeep of fencing on the other hand is more straight forward as painting or treating will only need doing every couple of years.
However, if you are concerned about the decline in natural habitats around the country you may be in favour of conserving hedgerows and garden hedges as they provide nesting sites for native birds and food and habitats for many insects and other small creatures. This may persuade you that the work involved in maintaining a hedge is worthwhile.