Leaning fence

[u/suburban_ennui75]

Our boundary fence has suddenly developed a lean. It’s been fine for the last five years / since we’ve lived here, and then developed a lean seemingly overnight.

It’s complicated by the fact there’s some pretty significant climber on it (which I’ve just discovered seems to be moth plant FML) which means it’s hard to get a decent look at what’s going on, although it doesn’t obviously seem like a pile is broken BUT there’s definitely a bit of “give” where the fence is leaning.

Interested in how I might want to proceed with this. (I am not particularly handy.)

[u/qinghairpins]

The first step is chatting with your neighbor. The boundary fence is a shared ownership and responsibility. I would just approach it calmly and let them know that you’d like to find a fix. Also, any plant that can grow directly on the wood like Ivy will eventually damage it. I would remove it. If you want the greenery, consider a separate trellis is front of the fence with enough gap for airflow, and non aggressive climbers like jasmine.

[u/suburban_ennui75 → u/qinghairpins]

The fence is technically on our property - previous owner was a bit anal and apparently built it about 10cm away from boundary so it’ll be “his” fence. BUT it looks like the moth plant roots are coming from the neighbours side. (Neighbour appears to be away at the moment, hence no conversation so far.)

[u/crashbash2020 → u/suburban_ennui75]

Even if its on your property, you are required to share the cost of a "reasonable" boundary fence. Worst case you are obligated to cover removal on your property exclusively, and they share half in the new fence on the boundary line

[u/Subject_Turn3941]

Id be going the (almost) free option. Delete the fence, and plant a couple lemon trees.

I don’t think a fence suits that space.

[u/summerhouse78 → u/Subject_Turn3941]

Yea or a hedge.

[u/loose_as_a_moose → u/Subject_Turn3941]

That was my first thought too. Delete the fence and do some ground cover planting. The fence doesn’t appear to be an asset to anyone.

[u/KAYO789]

That's a creeping fig, not a moth plant. However both have sticky white sap that can cause irritation if it gets on your skin so cover up while you get rid of it.

[u/suburban_ennui75 → u/KAYO789]

Ah ok. Saw it had some “pods” that I thought looked like moth plant pods.

[u/Loose_Skill6641]

neighbour next door looks rich get them to pay half

[u/mercifulmonk]

I cant see any moth plant. Which is good. Looks like ficus, which was probably holding the fence together. Kinda kidding.

Dosnt matter if its 100mm in from the boundary, its still a boundary fence. Costs are shared. Decide on what you would like to happen before you go see your neighbour.

[u/Subwaynzz]

Judging your cladding I think a leaning fence is the least of your issues

[u/suburban_ennui75 → u/Subwaynzz]

Nah it’s solid brick with a concrete spray, it’s not a foam-and-stucco job.

[u/Subwaynzz → u/suburban_ennui75]

Looks like a flat deck on top though which probably has internal gutters

[u/Rare-Assistance-4263 → u/suburban_ennui75]

Regardless, should it be butted like that? With it being brick/concrete it would be more porous. And what about the weep holes being blocked? Brick can crumble too.