Walk the fence line first
Start by walking the whole boundary with a cup of tea and a critical eye. In a Hall Green back garden the fence often runs a long way, past sheds, bushes, a washing line and the odd forgotten bit of trellis. Note anything that touches the fence or leans on it. Look for ivy, climbers and shrubs that have grown through the panels, because those will need cutting back before posts can be pulled out cleanly.
Then mark the line. A few canes or a length of string along the existing posts helps us see exactly where the new fence should sit. If you want it moved even slightly, say so now. Take a few photographs from each end of the run. They are handy when we talk through the job and they remind you how things looked beforehand.
Clear a working strip
Fencers need room to work on both sides of the line, so aim to leave a clear strip roughly the width of a wheelbarrow along your side. Move garden furniture, barbecues, planters, children's toys and anything stacked against the fence. Compost bins and wood piles are the usual culprits. Old fences are often held up by whatever has been piled against them, so take care when shifting heavy items.
Plants are worth a thought. Small pots can simply be carried to the patio. Larger shrubs and favourite climbers can be lifted or tied back, or you can ask us to work around them where that is realistic. Roses and fruit bushes close to a boundary are often better trimmed hard than trampled. Water anything you move so it settles well.
Access, neighbours and waste
Most Hall Green houses have a side path or a shared entry, so check that it is clear and wide enough to carry long panels and posts. Move bins, bikes and cars out of the way. If materials must come through the house, clear a route and tell us. A gate that is padlocked or stuck should be sorted out ahead of time so nobody is stuck outside.
Have a quick word with the neighbours too, especially if we need to step into their garden or they have plants growing on their side. It is polite and it avoids surprises. Finally, decide what happens to the old fence. We can usually take the waste away, but let us know if you want to keep any panels or posts for firewood or the shed.
Quick tips
- Photograph the whole fence line from both ends before you start tidying, so you and the fencer share the same picture of the job.
- Cut back ivy and climbers a little early; removing them in advance saves awkward untangling when old panels come out.
- Check that your side entry is wide enough for panels, and move bins and bikes out of the way before the day.
- Tell your neighbours roughly when work is planned and whether we may need to reach over or step onto their side.
If you are in Hall Green, in the B28 area, and want a hand planning your fencing job, give us a call or send a photo with the fence location. We also work in Acocks Green and Solihull, and we are always happy to talk it through with no pressure at all.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when getting my Hall Green garden ready for fencing?
Walk the whole boundary and note anything touching or leaning on the fence, such as ivy, shrubs and trellis. Cut climbers back, mark the line with canes or string, and photograph the run from both ends. In Hall Green's long rear gardens, that gives everyone the same picture.
How wide a clear strip should I leave beside the fence?
Aim for roughly the width of a wheelbarrow along your side of the line. Move furniture, barbecues, planters, toys, compost bins and wood piles out of the way. Small pots can go on the patio, while larger shrubs can be lifted or tied back before work begins.
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