Start with the posts
Push each post firmly. If it moves at ground level, or the base feels soft or crumbles when you press it with a screwdriver, it has rotted. Panels hang off posts, so a fence on failing posts will keep leaning however often you prop it.
When a repair makes sense
Repair is worth it when the damage is limited: a few loose boards, one or two broken panels or a single post that has failed. If the rest of the fence is firm and straight, patching it is the economical choice.
When replacement is better value
If several posts have gone, the panels are split or the fence has been repaired a few times already, replacing the run is usually the better long-term choice. Spending money on a fence that will need work again next winter can end up costing more.
Do not forget the neighbours
If the fence is shared, talk to the neighbour before any work. Agree who owns it and who is paying, and see the boundary guide for how to check.
Quick tips
- Check every post at ground level, not just the ones that lean.
- Look for boards that have split along the grain.
- Note how many repairs the fence has had already.
- Send us photos and we can tell you which way we would lean.
If you are in Bewdley or nearby, call 07585 303903 or send a photo and your postcode on WhatsApp. We are based in Stourport-on-Severn and cover DY12. Free quotes, no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a garden fence last?
It depends on the materials, the ground and the weather. Concrete posts and gravel boards help a lot, because the base is where timber fences usually fail first.
Can you give me an honest opinion?
Yes. If a repair is enough we will say so, and if a replacement is the better option we will explain why.
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