When is the best time of year to install a new fence?

 install a new fence

There’s plenty to think about when installing a new fence on your property. Besides budget, material, size and design, another key consideration is time: ‘when should I arrange for a fence to be erected?’

Choosing the perfect time for a fence installation can help make the process easier for your own DIY project but a professional fencing installer will be able to fit a fence throughout the year. With specialist tools to help make winter digging easier, and a team of experienced professionals on hand, it’ll be a breeze. Not to mention you can have your dream fence delivered and installed promptly, no matter the season.

Below are some things to keep in mind when it comes to installing a new fence.

Steer clear of extreme conditions

The main factor to consider is the presence of extreme weather conditions which might make erecting a fence much harder or entirely infeasible.

Rain can be a real nuisance for any outdoor work, and while a light rain won’t pose too much of a problem, heavy and prolonged rainfall can make things much tougher. It will be harder to dig a suitable hole in the mud, and earth which is wet through will be far less stable when it’s time to plant the posts themselves.

Heavy rain can lead to holes being constantly filled with water, and this can have a lasting effect on the strength and stability of the posts if you do persevere. Pooled water in the soil is never a good thing for timber posts, as rot and general moisture damage will weaken the timber and can very easily lead to rot.

Another thing to look out for is frozen ground. There might be some advantages to opting for a winter fence installation, which we’ll look at shortly, but digging in frozen soil is an almost insurmountable task.

Using standard tools to dig in the dead of winter can lead to injury, and it will take a lot of time to make even a little progress. If you need a fence during the cold season, either wait for a milder day, when the ground hasn’t frozen, or talk to professional fence installers to see if they can use any heavy duty digging tools to make short work of solid ground.

Take advantage of the off-season

As we’ve said, the winter can prove incredibly challenging even for ardent outdoor workers, but there is a chance for you to use it to your advantage. Being well into the off-season, many fencing suppliers see a drop off in business during the winter. If you’ve just moved home, for example, and the spring or summer seems too long to wait, you might find it easier to arrange for your dream fencing project in the less frantic winter period.

Autumn is also an ideal time to beat the rush, and you’re more likely to be met with warmer, more agreeable conditions in general than you might in mid-winter.

Dry and mild

Ideally, you’ll want to install a new fence when the weather is dry and mild, without much humidity or rainfall. This is why spring and summer are popular choices because it makes fence installation easier for people that choose to do it themselves. This being said, these conditions can occur throughout the year, and you may be forced to wait for May-September, however, with a professional installation, you won’t have to depend on the weather.

If you’re installing a fence in the middle of a heatwave, you’ll need to take precaution to prevent the wood from warping, splitting or becoming discoloured. Proper treatment of the wood is important if you want to limit warping or splitting during temperature shifts, while UV staining will keep your fence from fading in the sunlight, maintaining its natural beauty.

Pressure treated wood will stand you in good stead if you’re worried about moisture or humidity, while there are a number of stains and preservatives available to provide instant protection for your fence, both directly after installation and beyond. You can discuss these with your installer, who will be able to recommend the best treatment and maintenance practices for different species of wood.

Why wait around for optimal weather when you can have a fence installed when you need it most? Get a professional to do it for you during all seasons.

R&J Landscapes supply and install a range of fencing and decking solutions for customers throughout Harrow, Aylesbury and Watford. We strive to provide a swift and expert installation service throughout the year, and our experienced team can provide you with all the advice you need to make sure your new fence is kept in top condition throughout its lifespan. To find out more about all of our products and services, dont hesitate to get in touch with us today.