Fences and boundaries don't exist in the natural world. In fact, the enclosure of large open areas has hindered wild animals from engaging in their historical migration patterns and might be responsible for the death of millions of wild animals. On a much smaller scale, enclosing an acre of the yard might seem relatively harmless. However, one study found that fences can lead to one dead deer per every 7.8 miles of fencing annually. Poorly constructed fences can cause damage to a wide range of animals, including deer, foxes, squirrels, and other wildlife common to suburban areas. Choosing to take down fencing around your yard, then, will allow native wildlife corridors to emerge, even in places where urban development has occurred.
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Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
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Good fences make good neighbors, or so goes the saying. In many parts of North America, many people have no idea who their neighbors are. While we might send a casual greeting when we meet at the mailbox, the lives of the people who live closest to us often remain a mystery. Recently, however, many homeowners in urban and suburban communities have begun to tear down those fences that dot the landscape between house lots in favor of a new trend: shared yards. They are growing in popularity and offer many social and ecological benefits. Below, we look at some of the benefits that come with sharing your backyard with your neighbor.
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By Tobias Roberts, Rise Writer
Feb 23, 2025 · 6 min read
The resurgence of shared yards is bringing back the concept of community space to people who live in single-family residences. The idea of taking down fences and sharing a space with your neighbors offers a greater sense of outdoor living space, as well as financial, ecological, and social benefits. So go talk to your neighbors and explore this concept—you might be surprised by some shared ideas!
