The fence is flimsy. The stakes are very short and do not go into the soil far enough to be a free standing unit.( Used a work around and skipped the first hole on each panel so the stakes would stay in the ground). On assembly the black paint was peeling off the stakes. I am using this as a barrier for my hedge to deter my dogs from going into the hedge and dig in the dirt. It will have to be removed every spring to maintain the hedge. Do not know how long it will last. Does the job for now.