Fence Installation Tips for Working Around Your Trees

Fencing Around Trees

Fence installation can become a challenge when trees interfere with the desired location.

You could, of course, remove those trees that interfere with the placement of your fence. But, if you’d like to save your trees, you’ll need to plan carefully. Otherwise, you may eventually end up with a dead tree or a broken fence – or both.

Let’s explore some professional fence contractor tips for working around those precious trees.

Working Around Trees in Your Fence Installation

If a tree is growing in or near where you’d like to place your fence, the simplest design option is to angle the installation path to avoid the tree.

But what if the tree is situated squarely on the property line?

You could leave the tree outside of the fence, in which case you lose a bit of property to the neighboring yard. Or you could enclose the tree, which means encroaching on the neighbor’s property. For many of our customers, neither option is ideal.

If the trees are located on a property line that you share with a neighbor, we recommend inviting the neighbors over for a barbecue or a cold glass of lemonade to discuss the situation. You might be amazed at how easy the decision can become when you brainstorm with your neighbors.

After all, they will benefit from your new fence almost as much as you will!

Remember also to consider the future growth of your trees as you make your decision. Building too close to trees can result in damage to the fencing materials, if trunks, roots or branches grow into them.

Fence Installation Between Trees

If you prefer not to angle the fence or box around the trees, you can choose to allow the trees to interrupt the fence. With this option, you’ll have a straight line installation, but you may also have gaps between the fencing and the tree trunks.

In some cases, depending on the size and shape of the trees, fencing between them can be a bit complicated.

We must stop the fencing as close as possible to the trunks, while still allowing for future trunk and root growth. We must also ensure that posts or stakes don’t damage the root system, as this can impair healthy growth or otherwise harm the tree.

Experts warn against attaching anything directly to the tree, as screws and nails can injure the bark. This may make your trees more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

Accommodating Trees in Your Fence Installation

We have found that the best answer often involves a little creativity.

In this case, rather than letting trees get in the way of your fencing materials, we simply incorporate them into the design.

For example, we can create an interesting effect by creating a window (of sorts) in the fence to allow for future growth of trees and branches. Later, when the tree outgrows the space, you can enlarge or move the window.

Depending on the type of fencing you select, we can also assist you in designing other creative solutions, customized for your needs – and your trees.

Outback Fencing, serving residential and commercial customers throughout Idaho, Utah and Wyoming, understands the importance of tailoring every job to the site and the customer’s needs. As a locally owned and operated fence contractor, we are committed to providing individualized attention and an exceptional level of customer service.

Contact us today to learn more, or for a customized quote for your fence installation.