I'm all for being a considerate summertime neighbor. Being mindful of how much noise one produces and inviting the neighbors to an occasional barbecue at your place are nice ways to increase the peace in your neighborhood.

Time to Block out the Neighbors

But what if your neighbor is a noisy, nosy, scary jerk? What if you have asked him nicely not to let his dogs use your yard as a bathroom, but you keep stepping in it when you mow your lawn? What if the neighbors are leering weirdos who watch you as bend over in the garden? What if your neighbors decided to start fixing all-terrain vehicles in their backyard, and you're deafened by the constant grinding of dune buggy motors? What if all your diplomatic efforts fizzle into nothing, and it just doesn't seem worth it anymore? It's time to block out the neighbors.

A Fence Actually Adds to the Value of Your Home

The exceptionally great thing about building a barrier around your yard is that the fencing could actually make your yard look better. The barrier may even add home value if it is attractive. It can also keep out pests that eat your garden vegetables in addition to the neighbor's dogs. Having a great fencing contractor work his magic -- or embarking on an ambitious DIY project -- might cost you in time, labor, and materials, but the investment is one that pays off.

Fencing and Landscaping Options

Now what are your options for building a fence to block out neighbors? You could modify a short fence by adding a privacy screen and plants. Or you could plant thick vegetation around your yard, install a tall fence, and put up a nice, chunky pergola. You could build a privacy screen out of old doors to give your yard that groovy DIY look. You could follow the lead of Rob L., who worked with an Atlanta carpenter who installed a nice, clean-looking, good old-fashioned wooden privacy fence around his property. 

Combinations of tall fencing and vegetation create a nice sound and sight barrier between properties. Do this project with aesthetics in mind, and you might be thanking your obnoxious neighbor in the end.

Chaya Kurtz writes for Networx.com.

Updated June 13, 2018.