Long runs, tree roots and post type
A long garden means a long fence, and the choice of post becomes important. Ask which type of post will be used along the full length and why. Timber posts, concrete posts and slotted posts suit different situations. On tree-lined Edgbaston roads, roots can make digging difficult, so ask what happens if a post hole cannot go where it was planned. A contractor should be able to explain how posts would be moved or the spacing changed without weakening the run.
Ask about gravel boards as well. Along a long boundary the ground is rarely perfectly flat, and a board at the base keeps panels off damp soil and leaves a neat line. Ask what the boards are made of, whether they are included and how they will follow any change in ground level. Ask who checks the finished run is straight, because a small error at the start grows noticeably over a long garden.
Getting the old fence out and the waste away
Period houses often have narrow side passages, steps or no rear access at all, which makes removing an old fence harder than it looks. Ask how the old panels, posts and any concrete will be carried out, and whether they will be taken away or left for you to deal with. A long run of old fencing makes a lot of waste, and it is worth knowing in advance who is handling it.
Ask also how plants, climbers and borders along the old fence will be protected. In an Edgbaston garden with mature planting, careless removal can damage more than the fence. A good contractor will ask what you want to keep and will explain how they will work around it. Ask whether the ground will be left clear and reasonably level afterwards, ready for you to carry on with the garden.
Agreeing the line, paying and keeping in touch
With long boundaries shared among several neighbours, ask how the fence line will be agreed. Hedges, old walls and earlier fences can blur where a boundary actually runs. This is general information only, so check your deeds, ask your local council or take advice if it is unclear. A careful contractor will want the line settled with you before any post is set, not after, and will be happy to say how that is done.
Finally, ask how and when payment is handled and get it in writing. Ask what the arrangement is if work needs to stop for any reason, and how to reach the contractor once the fence is up. A large garden may need small follow-up visits, such as tightening a gate or adjusting a panel, so a reliable contact route is worth having.
Quick tips
- Ask what type of post is used along the whole run and how spacing will change if tree roots block a hole.
- Mention narrow side access or steps early, so the contractor can explain how old panels and new materials will be moved.
- Tell the contractor which plants and borders you want to keep, and ask how they will be protected during removal.
- Ask for payment arrangements and the contact route for afterwards in writing, not only in conversation.
If you are in Edgbaston or elsewhere in the B15 and B16 area, call us or send a photo of the fence and where it runs. We are happy to answer all these questions, and there is no pressure. We also work in Harborne and Selly Oak.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask when my garden is long and has mature trees?
Ask which post type will run along the whole length and what happens if tree roots stop a hole going where planned. A sound contractor can explain how spacing would change without weakening the run. Long Edgbaston gardens make these answers matter more than usual.
How do I ask about getting the old fence out through narrow access?
Mention side passages, steps or lack of rear access early, then ask how old panels, posts and concrete will be carried out and taken away. Also ask how borders and climbers will be protected. In an Edgbaston period house, access often shapes the whole job.
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