You have just installed your new fence, which looks stunning, and you love it! Fabulous! However, to keep your beautiful boundary fence looking its best, you need to look after it, and maintain it to make the most of its longevity. Garden fence maintenance is now a priority, and with that in mind, we have put together some useful fence care tips that will keep your wooden, metal or composite fence in tip-top shape.
Prevention is better than cure!
Prevention is better than cure in all circumstances but never more so than in property maintenance. This is especially the case in the part of your home that is so visible to you, your friends and family, passersby and potential house buyers. Curb appeal is so important, and that is why you should always prevent the deterioration of your boundaries with regular maintenance. Our garden fence maintenance tips are not difficult and will help to keep your garden fence looking its best, which in turn will save you time and money.
Essential supplies for garden fence maintenance
Maintaining a garden fence is crucial for its longevity and appearance. Essential fencing supplies for maintenance purposes include:
- Fence post spikes - before the fence (timber fence) is even erected make sure you build it using fence post spikes. Using these prevents wooden fence posts from rotting. Always choose dip treated or pressure treated wooden fence panels
- Sealant - to further protect your fence, a protective sealant shields the wooden fence from moisture and decay
- Wood stain or paint wood preservative - once your garden fencing is installed, the regular use of wood stain or paint not only enhances the look of your wooden fence panels but also provides a layer of protection against the elements
While most metal fences have adequate weather protection, you still need to keep an eye on your metal boundary fencing. Even the best metal fences need some maintenance. Consider a rust remover; it is essential to maintain the structural integrity.
Some other important items you need to complete your garden fence maintenance program are:
- Garden fence cleaner - mildew remover or chemical treatment to treat biological growth
- Replacement panels - to replace damaged sections
- Sanding - sandpaper or a power sander to prepare fences for treatments
- Spray - garden spray tool to add protection to wooden fences
Always use a weed trimmer guard on your strimmer, electric hedge or grass trimmer to protect the fence from accidental damage during landscaping. Nails or screws are fundamental for repairs and securing components and should always be suitable for exterior projects. Together, these supplies ensure your garden fence remains a beautiful and sturdy boundary for your property.
Fence care tips
Regardless of which fence style you choose; you will need to maintain it to enjoy the protection your boundary fences give you for years to come. Here are some more garden fence care tips that you might find useful:
Regular fence cleaning
It might sound obvious, but regular cleaning is a good idea, especially in the spring and autumn months. Maintain the cleanliness of your fence by washing it regularly with a mild soap solution using a garden hose. This simple practice will remove stubborn dirt and grime, keeping the fence looking fresh and preventing mould growth. Regular cleaning or even brushing off the dirt can unveil damage lurking under all the weathering or vegetation growth. A pressure washer is also a great tool to blast the dirt off!
Trim plants and shrubs
Trimming plants and shrubs that are close to the fence is crucial. It prevents excess moisture and pests, both of which can cause damage, from encountering the fence. Protect your fence from heavy equipment and impact damage during lawn maintenance. Be cautious when using lawnmowers and trimmers around the fence to avoid accidental damage to the fence and your expensive machinery.
Apply a protective sealant or defender stain
To shield your fence from weathering, apply a protective sealant. Sealants, also known as defender stains, act as a barrier against rain, snow, and harmful UV rays (from direct sunlight), preventing warping, fading, and invasive water damage. Alternatively, repaint or re-stain your fence periodically. A protective coat of paint sealant or stain improves appearance and adds an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Rust removal on metal fences and garden gates
It is essential to check for and remove rust spots in metal fences as soon as they appear. Rust can quickly compromise a fence's integrity, so prompt treatment is necessary.
By following these tips, you can ensure your fence remains in top condition and provides privacy and beauty to your property's fences for years to come. Sadly, fence maintenance is not a one-off thing; ongoing maintenance is required to keep your fences intact and looking good, so here are our ongoing fence maintenance tips.
Ongoing fence maintenance tips
You will likely inspect your fences regularly during the warmer months of the year as part of living in your garden, but it is still worth noting these ongoing maintenance tasks so that the fence panels take care of themselves in the colder months.
Biannual fence inspection
Conducting a biannual inspection (twice a year) of your garden fence is essential to identifying any potential issues early on. This proactive approach allows you to spot signs of loose or damaged panels, pest infestation, or structural damage caused by pets or rural vermin (foxes). Inspect during spring and autumn when weather changes could affect the fence's condition.
Pest treatment
If you notice signs of insects, woodlice, beetles, or other pests by recognising wood damage, wormholes, or mud tubes, treat the affected areas promptly. Regular treatment with wood preserver can prevent infestations from spreading and compromising the fence's integrity, saving time and money in the long term.
Post replacement
Replace broken or rotting fence posts immediately to maintain your fence's structural integrity. A damaged fence post can lead to a domino effect, jeopardising the stability of the entire fence. Using fence post spikes in the first instance can help prolong the life of your fence posts by protecting the wood in the first instance.
Clearing garden debris
Garden debris and leaves will gradually accumulate at the base of your fence (particularly in the Autumn), trapping moisture and leading to wood rot or rust in metal fences. Clear this debris weekly or after inclement weather to prevent decay and maintain a clean appearance. Leaf mulch makes great compost, so do not waste the opportunity to collect it!
Nails and screws maintenance
Always use fixings that are designed for outside use. However, over time even exterior nails, bolts and screws may become loose due to weather fluctuations and general use. Tighten or replace these fasteners to ensure your fence's stability and prevent further damage. By carrying out this relatively simple task, you can prolong the life of your fence panels.
Garden gates and hinges adjustment
Driveway and garden gates are prone to sagging, especially if they are frequently used. Make necessary repairs to gates and hinges periodically to prevent misalignment, which can make opening and closing difficult and may lead to further damage and, in turn, cost.
Reading these garden fence maintenance tips might seem a bit over the top, a little doom and gloom; we are erring on the side of caution because we want you to enjoy the longevity of any fence panels, fence posts, garden buildings, sheds and accessories you buy from us for all aspects of outdoor living.
Eco-friendly garden maintenance suggestions
We have briefly mentioned some of these suggestions previously, but listed below are eco-friendly suggestions to keep your garden well-maintained. All of these could pay benefits around your fencing area:
- Composting - use garden and kitchen waste to produce organic compost that will also improve your soil fertility and structure. This reduces landfill waste and saves you money on buying compost!
- Natural weed management - we all need exercise, so natural weed management is highly recommended. Use methods such as hand weeding and mulching with bark or straw. These methods keep your garden soil structure healthy and avoid the use of toxic chemicals
- Water conservation - rather than use your tap why not harvest your own rainwater? Use a rainwater butt to store rain collected from guttering run-offs. Use a watering can, rather than a sprinkler system, this targets rain only where you need it. If you water plants early in the morning or late at night, there will be less evaporation
Conclusion
Regular garden fence maintenance is vital to promote and extend the durability of your fences, gates, and garden structures. We hope these fence care tips are helpful; please remember we are here to help, so if you require advice or want to brainstorm, our knowledgeable team are always available. What is more, they are based in the UK and are experts in all things related to outdoor living. If you need information on garden fence panels, they have it; if you would like to talk about garden buildings or sheds, the team know everything there is to know on the subject. See the contact details below.
Contact us
Contact Buy Fencing Direct at 0333 003 0515 today to discuss purchasing your garden fencing. Our knowledgeable team are happy to speak to you. Our friendly customer service team are experts at finding the most suitable wooden fencing, fence panels and accessories (anything garden-related) for your specific needs. You can also message us by email, which you can do through our easy-to-use contact form. You can chat with us via the Live chat pop-up app when visiting our website.