How Far Away Should a Garden Be From a Privacy Fence?

The garden beds next to this privacy fence are narrow enough that they can be reached from one side.

Privacy fences fulfill myriad needs. Some are built for aesthetic appeal, while others are erected for functionality. The location of your garden and its proximity to a privacy fence depends on the situation.

Considerations

Homeowners should take into account the type of garden they wish to establish as well as the maintenance it will require. The purpose of the fence is also important. Privacy fences are generally erected to provide seclusion from neighbors or to block unsightly views.

Types

A coneflower with a cedar privacy fence in the background.

A vegetable garden should be at least 3 feet away from a tall privacy fence, perhaps even further if the fence provides much shade. A vegetable garden should receive a good six to eight hours of sun per day, so consider this when planning its location. The 3-foot spacing provides easy access for weeding, pruning and harvesting. In most cases, a wheelbarrow or mower could be maneuvered between the garden and fence if there's a 3-foot gap. Gardens that don't require as much oversight and maintenance can be planted directly next to a privacy fence. A privacy fence can also serve as rustic backdrop for a perennial flower garden. Coneflowers and black-eyed Susans look charming against a weathered cedar privacy fence.

Benefits

A picket-style privacy fence is surrounded by greenery.

A privacy fence has many benefits. As the name implies, it provides privacy and a sense of solitude. A privacy fence can also provide a focal point and keep out animals or foot traffic that may damage your vegetable or flower beds.

References

• Arizona Cooperative Extension: Building Fences
• Colorado State University Extension: Perennial Gardening