Good fences can make for good neighbors, and in New England they're also a favorite of thieves seeking a free supply of stone for building and landscaping projects, according to this Boston Globe report.

Given their significance as a quintessential New England landmark, New Hampshire's Governor John Lynch recently signed a bill to assess triple damages plus attorney's fees against thieves who pick apart walls.

The stone fence at my Connecticut home (right) hasn't been victimized but has started to tumble down in spots, and raised ridges that characterize mole-feeding burrows have also started to appear around it. Taking the advice from a contractor friend, I'll apply some adhesive to the stones before setting them back into place. This work should make them less prone to falling or disappearing in the future.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: "Yard Makeovers for $500 or Less" is full of low-cost ways to use materials like stain and lattice to spruce up your outdoor spaces.