If you’ve been searching for a dedicated fence tool in Cities: Skylines 2, you’re not alone. Many players expect a simple “fence” option in the landscaping menu, only to come up empty-handed. The truth is that fences in Cities: Skylines 2 work differently than most players anticipate, and understanding this system will save you hours of frustration.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly where fences are located, why they aren’t a standalone tool, and how to use the game’s building and decoration systems to create beautiful fenced areas in your city.

The Short Answer: Fences Are Not a Standalone Tool

In Cities: Skylines 2, there is no dedicated fence tool in the base game’s menus. Unlike paths or roads, you cannot simply select a fence and drag it across your map. This is one of the most common points of confusion for both new and returning players.

Instead, fences appear as part of prefabricated buildings and props included in the game’s asset library. Some residential and commercial buildings come with fences already attached, and certain park or landscaping props include fence elements as part of their design.

This design choice reflects the game’s focus on zone-based development rather than lot-by-lot customization. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t create fenced areas—you just need to approach it creatively.

Where to Find Fence-Related Assets in the Menus

While there’s no “Fences” category, several menus contain assets that include fencing. Here’s where to look:

• Landscaping Menu: Some decorative props here include small fence-like structures, such as garden borders and low walls.
• Parks and Plazas: Certain park assets come with perimeter fencing built into their models.
• Residential Buildings: Many low-density residential buildings spawn with fences around their yards automatically.
• Unique Buildings: Some signature and unique buildings feature decorative fencing as part of their design.

To explore these options, open the build menu and browse the relevant tabs carefully. Hover over each asset to preview its appearance before placing it.

Using the Find It Mod for Easier Access

If you’re playing on PC, the Find It mod is a game-changer. This popular mod adds a searchable database of all assets in the game, including those with fence elements. You can type “fence” into the search bar and instantly see every asset that includes fencing.

The mod also lets you place props freely without needing to unlock them through progression. For players who love detailed customization, Find It is essentially essential.

How to Create Fenced Areas Without a Fence Tool

Since fences aren’t a direct tool, you’ll need to use workarounds to create enclosed spaces. Here are the most effective methods:

1. Use Low Walls and Hedges: The landscaping menu includes low walls, hedges, and planters that can act as fence substitutes. Line them up to enclose gardens, parks, or yards.
2. Combine Props Creatively: Place small decorative props in a row to simulate a fence line. This works especially well for garden borders and pathways.
3. Rely on Building-Generated Fences: Zone low-density residential areas and let the game generate houses with fences automatically. This creates a natural, suburban look.
4. Use the Path Tool for Boundaries: Narrow paths can visually separate areas and create the impression of defined boundaries, even without physical fences.
5. Download Custom Assets: The Steam Workshop offers countless fence props created by modders. Subscribe to these assets and place them using the Find It mod.

Each method has trade-offs. Low walls and hedges look natural but take time to place. Custom assets offer the most flexibility but require mods and Workshop access.

Step-by-Step: Building a Fenced Garden with Props

Here’s a practical example of how to enclose a garden using available assets:

1. Select a flat area near a residential zone and open the Landscaping menu.
2. Choose a low wall or hedge prop and place it along the perimeter you want to define.
3. Rotate each piece carefully so the segments connect visually.
4. Fill the interior with grass, flowers, trees, and a small path.
5. Add a gate-like gap in the wall to simulate an entrance.

With patience, this technique produces convincing fenced areas that blend seamlessly with the game’s aesthetic.

Why Cities: Skylines 2 Handles Fences This Way

The developers designed Cities: Skylines 2 around macro-level city planning rather than micro-level detailing. Fences, being small decorative elements, were folded into the building and prop systems instead of receiving their own tool.

This approach keeps the interface cleaner and focuses players on zoning, transportation, and economy. However, it does leave detail-oriented players wanting more—a gap the modding community has eagerly filled.

Understanding this philosophy helps set realistic expectations. If you want precise fence placement, mods are the answer. If you prefer vanilla gameplay, creative prop usage will get you surprisingly far.

The Role of Mods in Fence Customization

The modding scene for Cities: Skylines 2 has grown rapidly, and fences are among the most requested custom assets. Here’s what’s available:

• Custom Fence Props: Wooden, metal, brick, and picket fence assets created by modders.
• Network Fence Tools: Some mods introduce drawable fence networks similar to roads, letting you drag fences across terrain.
• Anarchy Mods: These remove placement restrictions, letting you position fences anywhere, even overlapping other objects.
• Line Tool Mods: Utilities that help you place props in perfectly straight lines for clean fence runs.

Before installing mods, always check compatibility with your game version and back up your save files. Mods can break after major updates, so stay informed through community forums.

Recommended Mod Combination for Fence Building

For the best fence-building experience, consider combining Find It, Anarchy, and a line placement tool. Together, these mods let you search for fence assets, place them without restrictions, and align them perfectly.

This trio transforms the game’s decoration system into a powerful detailing toolkit. Many veteran builders consider these mods indispensable for realistic city design.

Vanilla-Friendly Alternatives to Fences

If you prefer to play without mods, you still have plenty of options for defining boundaries and adding charm:

• Hedges and Bushes: Natural, green boundaries that suit parks and suburban yards.
• Low Stone Walls: Classic landscaping props that read as fences from a distance.
• Tree Lines: Rows of trees create soft boundaries and improve land value.
• Water Features: Small canals or ponds can act as natural separators.
• Elevation Changes: Terrain tools let you build retaining walls and embankments.

These alternatives often look more organic than rigid fences and fit the game’s visual style beautifully. Experiment with combinations to find what works for your city’s character.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Players often run into the same pitfalls when trying to add fences. Watch out for these:

1. Searching endlessly for a fence tool: Accept that it doesn’t exist in vanilla and move to alternatives.
2. Placing props too far apart: Gaps break the illusion of a continuous fence line.
3. Ignoring terrain slope: Fences placed on uneven ground can look floating or buried.
4. Overusing mods without backups: Always save before experimenting with new assets.

Avoiding these mistakes will save you time and keep your city looking polished.

Final Thoughts: Fences Are Possible with Creativity

Fences in Cities: Skylines 2 aren’t found in a single menu, but they’re absolutely achievable through smart use of props, building assets, and mods. Whether you choose the vanilla route with hedges and low walls or dive into the Workshop for custom fence networks, you have the tools to create beautiful, enclosed spaces.

Ready to elevate your city’s detail? Open your build menu today, experiment with landscaping props, and consider subscribing to Find It and Anarchy for the ultimate fencing freedom. Your neighborhoods will thank you—and so will your screenshots.