The simple idea behind a gravel board
Fence panels are made to stand up, not to sit in wet soil. A gravel board is a separate length of timber or similar material fixed at the base of the fence, between the posts. The panel sits above it, so the soft, fragile boards of the panel never touch the ground. Put simply, a little prevention at the base saves a good deal of repair work higher up the fence.
Soil can be piled against the gravel board and turf can grow up to it without damaging it. That is the main advantage. You can keep a lawn right up to the fence, and the panel stays clear, dry and in good order for much longer than it would sitting on bare ground. Think of it as a low-effort layer of protection that does its job quietly.
Gardens old and new
Older properties often have fences that have been mended and moved over many years, and some have no gravel board at all. Adding one is often possible without replacing a panel, though the fence needs to be sound enough to take it. We will look at the posts and the panel first.
On newer estates, fences are often a standard panel and post layout, which makes adding or replacing a board straightforward. Whichever you have, the same simple rule applies: soil and turf stay below the top of the gravel board, and the panel above stays clear. Some gardens have a slope, and there the board may need to step down in stages to stay level with the ground.
Mowing, wet patches and repairs
A gravel board gives mower and trimmer a straight line to follow along the lawn edge. Wet patches are still worth watching, because standing water at the base will age even a gravel board. Keep the foot of the fence clear and let water drain away. If you are not sure what your fence has at the bottom, a photo of the base is a good place to start.
If a board wears out, replace it alone where the fence allows. The panel above often stays. This is one of the more sensible ways to keep a fence in good order, because the worn part is the one designed to be changed when it needs to be. Keep it simple, check it now and then, and it will do its job for a long time.
Quick tips
- Keep soil and turf below the top of the gravel board, so the fence panel never touches the ground.
- Clear wet leaves and clippings from the base of the fence so the board and panel can dry out.
- Have the posts checked when a board is added, because a gravel board cannot support a weak fence.
- If a board wears out, ask whether it can be replaced on its own without removing the panel.
If you are thinking about gravel boards for a fence in Cleobury Mortimer, call us or send a photo and the fence location. We cover the DY14 area and also work in Kidderminster and Tenbury Wells. We will give plain, honest advice.
Frequently asked questions
Why do fence panels need something between them and the lawn?
Fence panels are made to stand up, not to sit in wet soil. A gravel board fixed between the posts keeps the panel off the ground, so soil can be piled against the board and turf can grow up to it. Cleobury Mortimer lawns can then run right to the fence.
What if my garden slopes or I am unsure what my fence has at the base?
On a slope, the board may need to step down in stages to stay level with the ground. If you are not sure what is at the bottom of your fence, a photo of the base is a good place to start, and we can look at the posts first.
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