Are all hedges created equal? Crystal Lake looks to define local fence law, defers decision

Crystal Lake is considering amending its landscaping code after a conflict between lakefront neighbors over a row of trees.Originally, the city’s staff proposed removing the word “hedges” from the fencing code about two months ago. According to the city code, “fences, walls or screening in any front yard or yard abutting a street shall not exceed three feet in height.” Currently, the code’s definition of a fence “may include” hedges, causing ambiguity and confusion, staff said in city documents. Simply removing the word “hedges” could lead to dense landscaping planted where a fence would otherwise be prohibited, something that a couple with a lakefront property say already has happened. Residents Doreen and Ronald Orist filed a complaint with the city after noticing their neighbors had planted 15 emerald green arborvitaes about 2 feet apart beside their 3-foot fence that abuts the Orists’ property. They call the planting a “spite fence” because they create a dense visual barrier that w