Christchurch has a long tradition of hedges. Drive through Fendalton, Merivale or the older parts of Cashmere and the streets are lined with clipped griselinia, privet, beech and box, some of them planted generations ago. Since the earthquakes, though, many sections have been rebuilt with new fences, and newer subdivisions in Halswell, Prebbleton and Rolleston are dominated by timber and composite screens. Homeowners planning a new boundary often find themselves weighing up the two.
Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on the size of the section, the budget, how quickly privacy is needed and how much ongoing work is acceptable.
The case for a living screen
A good hedge does things a fence cannot. It filters rather than blocks the wind, which matters in a city that gets a cold southerly and a drying nor’wester. It provides habitat for birds and insects, softens the look of a street and can be cheaper to establish, particularly over long boundaries. A well-maintained hedge also tends to age gracefully, while a fence starts deteriorating from the day it goes up.
Species that perform well in Canterbury conditions include:
- Griselinia (kāpuka), glossy, fast and tolerant of wind, though it can suffer in very hard frosts and wet soils.
- Pittosporum varieties such as kōhūhū and tarata, dense and easy to clip.
- Corokia, slower but tough, with small leaves that suit formal shapes.
- Hornbeam or beech, deciduous options that hold brown leaves through much of winter.
- Coprosma hybrids, which cope with dry, stony soils typical of parts of the city.
The drawbacks are time and maintenance. Even fast species take three to five years to form a dense screen at two metres, and most need trimming two or three times a year. Roots compete with nearby garden beds, and in drought years hedges on stony Canterbury soils need watering to stay healthy.
The case for a fence
A fence gives instant privacy, occupies very little ground and needs relatively little maintenance beyond occasional staining or repairs. On small modern sections, where every metre of garden counts, a hedge that grows a metre wide can take up a significant share of the space. Fences also provide a clear, agreed boundary line and keep dogs and children contained.
For anyone weighing up options, experienced providers of fencing in Christchurch can advise on materials suited to local conditions, including post depths for the region’s variable soils and designs that cope with nor’west gusts. Paling, horizontal slat, pool-compliant and composite fences all have different costs and lifespans.
Costs vary by material, height and site. A standard 1.8-metre paling fence might cost somewhere between $130 and $220 per linear metre installed, with horizontal slats and hardwoods often costing more. Removing an old fence or a large hedge first adds to the bill.
Combining the two
Many of the most successful boundaries use both. A modest fence along the line provides immediate privacy and security, with a hedge or mixed planting in front softening it over time. Alternatively, a low fence of around a metre can be paired with a taller hedge behind it to give the street an open feel while screening the house.
When combining them, leave enough space between the fence and the plants for air movement and access. A gap of at least 300 to 500 millimetres makes trimming the back of the hedge and maintaining the fence possible without dismantling anything. Plants jammed tight against timber tend to rot the boards and die back on the hidden side.
Neighbours, height and council rules
Boundary features are one of the most common sources of disputes between neighbours. Fences and hedges that cast shade over a neighbour’s living areas, block views or encroach over the boundary can cause long-running friction. A conversation before planting or building, with agreement on height and who will maintain what, avoids most problems.
Fences over certain heights may require building consent, and the Christchurch District Plan includes rules on fence height and visibility along street frontages in some zones. Hedges are generally not regulated in the same way, but the shade and nuisance they cause can still lead to disputes. Check current requirements with Christchurch City Council or the relevant district council before committing to anything tall. The Fencing Act sets out the general framework for sharing the cost of boundary fences, but how it applies varies with individual circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest hedge for privacy in Christchurch? Griselinia and some pittosporum varieties grow quickly in good conditions, though they still take a few years to reach full screening height.
Does a neighbour have to pay half of a new boundary fence? Often a share of the cost of an adequate fence is expected, but the process and outcome depend on the circumstances. Getting agreement in writing first is sensible.
Can a hedge be planted right on the boundary line? It can, but planting slightly inside the boundary makes trimming and future disputes easier to manage. Agreeing on height and maintenance with the neighbour helps.