Here are five steps to follow if you'd like to spruce up an old fence.

The first step is to repair any damaged areas of the fence. This could mean installing a new fence section or even individual boards. Or, if your fence is leaning, you may need your fencing contractor to install special bracing repair stakes to make it stand upright again.

This step can go a long way toward making your fence look more well-kept and respectable.

Although weathered, peeling paint may be a fun texture for a cottage chic aesthetic, it's not a practical option for a fence that has to weather the elements. So if your fence has an obviously damaged paint layer or other finish, or if it's simply not been refinished in years, you may need to have the fence refinished as soon as repairs are completed.

Different types of fences may need different types of finishes, and some, like vinyl or aluminum fence, may not need refinishing to protect them from the elements. Aluminum fencing, for instance, may be designed with a finish layer that lasts as long as the fence does. But if it has a peeling paint layer on top of the finish, it may still need a repaint to help it look presentable.

After the basics are taken care of, take a look at the position your fence occupies and the roles it plays in your yard. Is it a garden fence? A backyard fence to let your dogs run around the yard while you're at work? Depending on what you need the fence to do, an upgraded design may help your fence fulfill its role better.

For instance, your fence may protect your garden better if you have your fencing contractor install wire mesh buried along the bottom of the fence to exclude tunneling moles. A backyard fence may keep your dogs in more effectively if you extend its height with a fence topper or add a rolling bar to the top so they can't climb out.

After adding any needed upgrades to help your fence work better, you can start to think about any accessories that could help it match your desired aesthetic. Different fence post toppers can add an elegant style or display a touch of whimsy, and an attractive gate can help define the fence's style. Other types of fence decor are available as well, such as:

• Birdhouses
• Bird feeders
• Hanging planters
• Metal flowers, birds, and butterflies
• Decorative hanging lanterns

Different types of decorations may work better on different fence styles. For instance, colorful flower decorations may be set off better by a flat, monochrome fence than by a more ornate or patterned fence surface.

Once you're done modifying the fence itself, complete the look by installing complementary landscaping along the fence. Landscaping adds visually interesting lines and textures, since even a well-kept, functional fence may become visually monotonous otherwise. You can add a variety of perennials and shrubs along the fence's base to create interesting lines.

Other ideas for adding visual interest with landscaping include:

• Adding a lacy screen of bamboo in front of the fence
• Growing a vine up the fence or up a trellis in front of the fence
• Using contrasting colors of foliage or flowers

In some cases, you can actually incorporate your landscaping into the fence, such as by growing a vine or espaliered tree up the fence. If you need advice about which plants to install alongside your fence, consult with your fencing contractor.

These steps can take your old fence from looking neglected to having a smart, elegant, or whimsical style that blends well with the rest of your home and yard. Get in touch with Pioneer Fence of Greenville today to learn more about how we can help you with fence repairs, installations, or upgrades.