It's expensive to "level" ground as it requires a retaining wall. A slope is the less expensive way of dealing with grade change. That said, you're probably stuck with the grade you have. But you indicate there's planting space that you control on the other side of the fence ...? You need planting on one or both sides that grows above the fence height. Large shrubs (8' to 16') strategically placed would screen out all of the unwanted view above the fence. The planting could be a mixture of shrub variety for a very casual look, or or it could be a single species (as long as the light conditions are consistent) for a tidier, more tailored look.

After some discussion, we're agreed that they will build new fencing themselves in the same style we're using (the husband does construction), I just re-read your post. Have you considered hiring this neighbor for the project instead of the other contractor? Forget the above. Since the project is 2/3 completed....what happened is that you are reneging on the original terms of the deal. IF you ever have any thought of using this guy again, you need to honor the original deal. If that means eating the entire cost of the fence on that side of the property, you eat it. (Just tell yourself that if you were on a corner lot, you'd be paying for all of that side anyway because there would be no neighbor to split costs with.) The revised quote for less fence has a 'you broke the contract' penalty included. And no, you won't find this as a line item on the bill. Or a 'putting the horse before the cart penalty'...because you proceeded w/ the project before you had everyone on board. However you want to look at it. As far as the non compliant neighbors---since one of them is 'in construction', he/she may be a little miffed that you didn't ask him for a quote on the project. Or not. May be that since he is in the biz, he thinks the quote was inflated. Or, just reluctant to pay for labor to do something he considers everyday DIY. Also given that they have been in the house for only a couple of years, that the house has needed extensive work, they are likely to consider the fence a Low Priority item. And, being in construction right now, he is likely to be flat out Too Busy to worry about a fence.

UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their helpful suggestions. Our front yard renovation is almost complete. All we have left to do is pick out some colorful pillows for the chairs and wait for the plants to grow larger over time. We’re really happy with it. This is about the most sun the yard gets so finding native California plants that were shade tolerant and drought tolerant was a challenge. Here’s our plant list: Allumroot in 2 variations; Seaside Daisy; Narrow Leaf Milkweed; Blue Eyed Grass; and, Western Sword Fern The pots and window boxes aren’t natives but contain combos of impaitients, lace ferns, a different variation of allumroot, and daffodils. It’s much more enjoyable to sit outside and watch the kids play now.

Hi westes, As is their policy, Amazon lists a long list of related products. You might find something in those 40 some-odd things. You might be able to make them yourself from bar stock purchased at a home store or metal supply or even Amazon. You would need a vise and something to lever the bar stock to bend it. And a hacksaw to cut it. There may even be special metal bending tools. And you might find some of those things useful for future projects. ZM