When kids see a nearby fence, they always seem to have the desire to jump on it and start climbing. Unfortunately, if it happens to be your fence, their constant climbing can eventually damage your fence and other parts of your property. While it may be tempting to call the police and file complaint after complaint, there are other methods you can use that can be effective long-term solutions. If you’re at your wit’s end about kids climbing your fence, give these options a try.

Plant Hedge Bushes

As a deterrent to kids climbing your fence, consider planting some hedge bushes on the other side of your fence where the kids usually come over. If doing so, you may want to select bushes that are thorny in nature, such as rose bushes or others. After all, no kid likes to come down in the middle of a thorn patch.

Install a Fence

If you want, you can consider having a fence installed. This can be especially effective if you have a chain-link fence at your home since it can be installed at heights that can make it much harder for younger kids to climb. There are different chain-link accessories too such as privacy slats that fit in the Pexco brand silver fence weave. For most kids, once they realize climbing the fence is too much work, they’ll find ways to keep themselves busy inside the backyard. 

Get a Dog

While you of course don’t want the kids to be bitten by your dog, having a dog in your yard that can bark and growl a bit may not be the worst idea in the world. If you go this route, don’t opt for a small and friendly chihuahua. Instead, try to get a bigger dog such as a German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, or Rottweiler. Even if your dog is really a sweetheart with you, their presence in your yard will make any kid think twice about an unauthorized climb.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers

A harmless way to deter would-be fence climbers, motion-activated sprinklers set up near your fence, especially in the landing area the kids use most often, will soon have them looking for other ways to have fun. If you do this, place a sign nearby warning them of the sprinklers. By doing so, if they go home with wet clothes, their parents will know exactly what they’ve been doing.

By trying some of these options, you can likely avoid any potentially awkward encounters with your neighbors. While good fences do indeed make for good neighbors, so do a well-placed dog, bush, or sprinkler.