Is it Time to Get a New Garden Fence?

A garden fence can bring a wide range of benefits to a garden.

From acting as a deterrent to intruders to providing additional privacy and a barrier between you and your neighbours, fences are great at creating clear boundaries for your property. 

However, over time, they go through a lot. 

Due to the fact it’s always outdoors, your garden fence is constantly exposed to the elements and the, often, less than impressive British weather. From regular rain to intense wind, excessive wear and tear could mean it’s time to replace your garden fence.

In this article, the team here at R&J Landscapes will help you decide whether it is time to get a new garden fence for your property. 

Signs you need a new garden fence 

On average, a well-built fence can last for up to 20 years, but there are a few signs to look out for that may indicate a new garden fence is needed.

This includes:

The fence is rotting

Perhaps the most obvious sign that your fence is on the way out is if it begins to rot. Wood can rot if exposed to significant amounts of moisture, so if you notice your fence has become soggy, hollow or is crumbling away, then it is likely that rotting has started to occur.

Unfortunately, rotting is irreversible and as well as being an eyesore, over time it will spread through your entire fence which will cause it to weaken and need replacing.

The fence is leaning

If your fence has begun to lean to one side, it’s usually a sign of weather damage. While leaning is often a result of strong winds, rotting can also cause this effect. 

As well as impacting the appearance of your garden, a leaning fence can be irritating to neighbours and indicate to potential intruders that your garden isn’t particularly secure. 

The fence has holes

As we’ve mentioned already, fences find themselves at risk of all kinds of damage due to the fact that they are outdoors. One of the most common types of fence damage is holes that may occur as a result of sections of the wood panels falling off. 

Pets, an errant football and strong winds are the main reasons why holes appear in fences, and while these gaps can sometimes be repaired, too many may also be a sign that a new fence is needed.

Plus, broken fence panels can also cause screws to come loose or dangerously stick out which could be a safety hazard. 

Repairs have become costly 

If you find yourself spending more and more time and money on fixing your fence, it may be easier and more cost-effective to simply invest in a new one. 

While spending money on a brand-new fence may seem expensive, it may actually work out cheaper than constantly having to maintain your existing one.

When is the best time to install a fence?

If you’ve decided to have a new garden fence installed, it’s important that the work is carried out on a day that provides the most suitable conditions.

Ideally, fences should be installed on a dry, mild day when the weather is not too wet or too humid. This is because too much moisture in the ground will make it difficult to place and position fence posts. And, while this is rare in the UK, on days when the temperature is extremely hot it can even cause the fence’s wooden panels to split or warp.

With this in mind, the best time of year to install a fence tends to be during spring or early summer when the weather is most stable.   

At R&J Landscapes, we’ve spent more than 30 years providing properties across Watford, Harrow and beyond with leading landscaping services. This includes quality fencing that can complement your garden design while offering great longevity throughout all weather conditions. To find out more, get in touch with our team today.