Ideas on How to Mark Land Boundaries

Stakes

• Stakes are one of the most commonly used boundary markers. Property surveyors use either the stakes or bright colored plastic ribbon. If you have the plot map that came with the deed, the boundaries are marked. Old property maps may have unusual indications as to exactly where the property line is. The property description on old deeds may read something like "600 feet from the walnut tree to a rock pile on the North corner." If the property hasn't been improved, the walnut tree and the rock pile may still be there.

Caution Tape

• Short sections of bright colored plastic tape are sometimes tied on trees to mark land boundaries. Plastic tape can be purchased at home improvement stores and most automotive supply stores. Once you have one boundary marker set, measure off the distance as it is stated on the property map and tie the next plastic ribbon. If there are no trees on the land you will have to drive a stake in the ground and tie the ribbon on it. Stakes are available at home improvement stores.

Fences

• Fences are by far the surest way of marking land boundaries. Following indications written on the deed map or in the description will give you the basic lines for the boundaries. Start at one corner and measure and mark where the fence will be placed. Any fencing can be used such as chain link, wood or barbed wire. A simple straight line of wire can be used. Add small strips of plastic tape every 10 feet or so to make the single wire visible.

Posts or Rock Piles

• Locust posts can be purchased at lumber yards and home improvement stores. If you're handy with a chain saw, cut your own posts. Use a post hole digger to make the holes for the posts. Concrete post and markers can also be used. Cinder blocks can be stacked to mark the boundary corners. Even pieces of rope can be tied from post to post especially in wooded areas where it won't be visible to someone driving by. Rock piles will still suffice to mark the land boundaries if no other means is available.