Many landowners believe that placing survey stones (boundary stones) is enough to protect their property. While survey stones are legally important, they do not provide physical protection. In reality, thousands of land disputes and encroachments happen even when survey stones are present.
This blog explains why survey stones alone are not enough and how proper fencing completes boundary protection.
What Are Survey Stones?
Survey stones are official markers placed by government survey departments to indicate the legal boundary of a property.
They are used for:
Land registration
Legal documentation
Court cases & surveys
However, survey stones serve only as reference points, not as protective barriers.
Limitations of Survey Stones Without Fencing
| Limitation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No Physical Barrier | Anyone can cross or ignore survey stones |
| Easy to Remove | Stones can be shifted or removed illegally |
| Poor Visibility | Often hidden by grass, soil, or debris |
| No Security | Cannot stop encroachment or trespassing |
| Legal Delays | Disputes take years even with survey proof |
Common Problems Faced Without Fencing
1. Boundary Encroachment
Neighbors or outsiders slowly extend their usage beyond survey stones, leading to permanent loss of land.
2. Survey Stone Tampering
Survey stones can be:
Removed
Shifted slightly
Buried intentionally
This creates confusion during resurvey.
3. Illegal Usage of Land
Open land invites:
Parking
Waste dumping
Temporary sheds
Farming or storage by others
Why Fencing Is Essential Along with Survey Stones
| Benefit | How Fencing Helps |
|---|---|
| Physical Protection | Clearly blocks unauthorized entry |
| Visible Boundary | Everyone knows the land is owned |
| Legal Strength | Strong evidence during disputes |
| Prevents Land Grabbing | Immediate deterrent |
| Increases Property Value | Buyers trust fenced properties |
Survey stones define the boundary on paper.
Fencing enforces it on the ground.
Best Fencing Options to Secure Survey Boundaries
| Fencing Type | Suitable For | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|
| Barbed Wire Fencing | Agricultural & vacant land | Medium |
| Chain Link Fencing | Residential plots | Medium–High |
| Concrete Pole Fencing | Long-term protection | High |
| Solar Fencing | Animal-prone areas | High |
| Concertina Wire | High-risk locations | Very High |
Real-World Scenario: Survey Stone vs Fencing
| Situation | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Only Survey Stones | Frequent disputes & encroachment |
| Survey Stones + Fencing | Clear ownership & safety |
| No Maintenance | Stones lost, land misused |
| Proper Fencing | Zero boundary confusion |
Legal Perspective: Courts Prefer Physical Boundaries
In many land dispute cases, courts consider:
Visible fencing
Boundary walls
Physical demarcation
Survey stones help, but fencing strengthens your legal claim and reduces dispute duration.
Best Practices for Landowners
Install fencing immediately after survey
Fence exactly along survey stone alignment
Use permanent fencing for long-term safety
Keep photos & documents after fencing
Inspect boundaries once a year
Conclusion
Survey stones are important—but they are not protection tools. Without fencing, land remains vulnerable to encroachment, misuse, and disputes. Proper fencing transforms survey boundaries into secure, visible, and legally strong property lines.