Start by making the gap safe
Before any discussion, deal with the immediate risk. Keep people and pets clear of the broken section, and lay any loose panel flat on the ground where it cannot be caught by another gust. Look out for exposed nails and splintered rails, and avoid lifting heavy panels alone. If the fallen fence has landed in a neighbour's garden, tell them quickly and offer to help clear it.
A fast, polite message does a great deal. Nobody enjoys finding a pile of timber in their garden without warning, and a little courtesy at this stage makes every later decision about the fence much easier for both households. Agree how the gap will be kept secure meanwhile, particularly if either household has children or a dog, and keep any pieces that may be reusable.
What to photograph and what to check
Take pictures of the whole line before anything is moved: the fallen panels, the broken or leaning posts, the ground near each base and the fence on both sides if you can safely get a view. Clear photographs mean you and your neighbour can look at the same facts, and they let us offer a view without needing a visit first.
Then check the posts. A post that has snapped at the base has usually rotted below ground, and a new post is the dependable answer. A post that simply leans in soft ground may be reset. Panels that are square and sound can often be re-hung. Do not assume everything needs to go. Sensible reuse of sound panels keeps the job tidy, keeps the matching style on both sides, and avoids throwing away timber that still has plenty of life in it.
Who owns the fence, and who arranges the work
People often ask which side of a fence is theirs. There is no single rule that fits every house, so this is general information only: look at your deeds, ask your local council or take proper advice if there is doubt. Where a fence is shared in practice, agree between you who will arrange the work and what style you both want.
Putting that in writing, even a short message, avoids confusion later. We are fencers, not solicitors, and we will not tell you who must pay. What we can do is describe the work needed. We also work in Bilston and Darlaston, and Willenhall customers are welcome to send photos with the location.
Quick tips
- Tell the neighbour straight away if any panel or post has fallen into their garden, and offer to help clear it.
- Take photographs of both sides of the fence if you can reach them safely, so everyone is looking at the same facts.
- Agree between you who is arranging the work and what style of replacement panel you both want.
- Check your deeds or ask the local council about ownership before assuming a boundary is yours or theirs.
If a fence has come down in Willenhall, whether it is yours or shared, call us or send photos with the fence location. We cover WV12 and WV13 and will explain what the work involves, with no pressure to go ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my fence has fallen into the neighbour's garden?
Tell your neighbour straight away and offer to help clear it. Photograph both sides of the fence if you can reach them safely, so everyone is looking at the same facts. In Willenhall, a friendly early word usually makes arranging the repair much easier.
How do I find out who owns a fence before arranging repairs?
Check your deeds or ask the local council rather than assuming the boundary is yours or theirs. This is general information, not legal advice. Once ownership is clear, agree who is arranging the work and what style of replacement panel you both want in Willenhall.
Fencing contractors in Willenhall · All advice guides