Whatever you choose for your boundary, the first step is to establish the correct line, and then clear it of vegetation and rubble before levelling the ground.

• Fences require the least ground preparation, because you only need to insert posts at intervals. However, the ground between each post does need to be even, so that the base of the fence sits level.

Harder work is in order for walls and hedges.

• Walls need foundations, so you'll have to excavate a trench of the recommended width and depth, and this is when you could discover underground problems such as long-buried rubble, tough tree roots, old field drains, or mains services.



• Hedges need well-cultivated ground to thrive, so again, you'll have to dig over a strip of ground. But at least you won't have to barrow away the soil.