guess I should have mentioned that we live in the northeast and I'm not looking for fence that requires a lot of care. plus the back sides of the fence will not be accessible to treat.

I'm not up on Ipe, but I do know about cedar. Cedar needs to be pressure treated and then sealed/stained before it is put up. That treatment will then need to be repeated (as needed) every few years. If you only have one side to work with...you will need a new fence in 10-15 years. If that is an acceptable amount of time...then go for it. Ipe is an exotic with a much higher oil/moisture rating which stands up to outside moisture very well. I'm going to guess it needs the same as the cedar prior to installation...but the effects of weather will mean you can go much longer before having to replace the fence.

Best check with local fencing experts. You may live in a micro climate that does not treat cedar or ipe very well. It is best to find this out from locals before going ahead. Weird chemical make up in the soil, types of pests, rain fall vs. snow fall will all affect how wood is affected when left out doors.

Always good to check with local experts. I am in the NE too and have heard good things about Ipe, it is very durable.

I would choose a "live fence" using shrubs with intermittent metal or lattice panels as shown below especially if this is for screening in a small area. It adds interest and variety for flexible seating arrangements, a feeling of open space and protection from the elements. And usually, there is no height limitation on trees and shrubs but check that out.

If wood is required, then I would choose cedar. It's a rapid growing resource that has proven itself in the northeast over centuries as siding, roofing and use in outdoor structures. It's easy to work with and can be supplemented with other outdoor structures...arbors, trellis', gates.

I would not choose Ipe unless it comes from a managed forest program. It is a Brazilian rain forest walnut tree that grows to a maximum of 130 ft to 165 ft in height and 6 ft in diameter over 100 years with a tremendous canopy vital to maintaining the rain forest eco system and all that it provides...over 50% of the planet's oxygen supply, plants for the production of extraordinary pharmaceuticals to name just a couple. The rapid deforestation to meet cosmetic demand in the housing industry is a big concern of the Brazilian as well as other South American authorities, environmentalists and economists. Although they are cracking down on illegal exports, it is still a big problem.

So, if you must purchase this grand wood for fencing look for certification from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council, which tracks sustainable forestry. Instead of 100 years of native growth, an Ipe tree can be cultivated and harvested in 15-30 years... still a generation of time but followed by yet another tree.

Thanks all! We live in N. NJ just across the river from NYC. Lots of others in town have ipe fences and they seem to be doing fine with the climate.

As for the living fence idea- that looks great, but the yard doesn't get much sun (we are one in from the corner of the block and the buildings block most of the sunlight). The idea of those decorative screens is also nice, but what's behind is just so ugly, I want to cover it up. I am going to have the contractor build us a few flower boxes close to the top of the fence and see if we can get some succulents to grow for some greenery. This past winter was so bad most of the other plants we had died.