?Good fences make good neighbors,? wrote a beloved American poet decades ago. There is some truth in the idea that some of us function better when we know and respect common boundaries. This can be especially true when we put up fences in our lawns and around our property to keep trespassers out and the children or pets in. Still, it's not easy choosing where to put up fencing, the type that will best fit a property, and the most effective for a particular purpose. Here are a few tips that might help as you face this particular dilemma.

1. Choose a style that meshes with your property style. For example, if your home is a Victorian, look for old-fashioned fencing designs that bring back the days of old, like a white picket style. Instead of the painted wood framework that quickly peels and can easily rot, you can now get vinyl fences that look like traditional wood but will actually hold up much longer and require little maintenance.

2. Look for fencing that will fit your property structure. For example, even if you love wrought iron spikes, they may not look that great on your country farmhouse lawn. Choose a design that flows with the overall theme of your yard or lawn. You might want to get a few sample pieces and try them in various places of your open space to see how they fit. Or check out images on the Internet and possibly drive around the neighborhood for some ideas on how to use fencing in creative ways.

3. Get the type of fencing that serves your purposes. An invisible dog fence will help to keep your pets from wandering off the premises. But it will not keep other dogs or animals from approaching your dog. You may need a chain link fence to prevent other kids or pets from wandering over your lawn and perhaps doing damage or causing problems by digging up a flowerbed or chasing your cats.

4. Decorative fencing adds attractive accents. Consider adding a wooden rail fence in just a corner of your yard as a focus point, perhaps accented by clusters of daffodils or mums. A low vinyl picket fence makes a nice border along the side of the garage or shed. Use your creativity while shopping at lawn and garden stores or browsing catalogs to select a useful or attractive fence that will add to your property's value.

Fences can be functional or aesthetic in nature; it's really up to you. There are numerous styles, materials, and designs available today, and you can shop online if you aren't able to get out to the stores. Fencing all or part of your property can help to protect it, discourage intruders, and make it attractive simultaneously. Don't overlook fencing options when planning next year's lawn or garden.