The short answer to this question is yes. When it comes right down to it, you can technically install your fence any time of year you like. But that’s not quite what you’re asking, is it? What you’re actually asking is – how difficult and / or expensive is it to have your fence installed in autumn or winter?
Now, the answer to that isn’t quite as straightforward, as there are a lot of different factors in play. But as suppliers of the very best garden fencing panels here at Welch Fencing, we’re the perfect people to give you the details. As you’d expect, it’s generally harder to install your fence in the chillier months of the year, but it’s not impossible, and you may even deem it worth the potential challenges. So, here’s what you need to know.
Why is it harder to install a fence in autumn or winter?
Let’s start with winter, as it poses the most obvious challenges of the two. Naturally, you’ll want to avoid installing your fence in extreme conditions like heavy snow or ice. When the ground is frozen in these conditions, it makes it a lot more difficult to hand dig the holes necessary to insert your timber or concrete fence posts.
Let’s be honest, though – these sorts of conditions are relatively unlikely during the average British winter. Instead, rain is much more likely to be the major obstacle you’ll find yourself dealing with. Light rain isn’t too much of an issue in itself, but heavy and prolonged rainfall can make things much more difficult because it’s harder to dig a suitable hole in the mud. Plus, earth that’s sodden all the way through means that the ground will be a lot less stable when you come to plant your fence posts, which can ultimately have a severe impact on the overall stability of your fence.
Heavy rain also tends to mean that the holes get filled with water even as you’re digging them. That’s not only going to make your fence posts that much more wobbly, but if you’re using timber fence posts, the moisture and standing water can easily end up causing rot.
Why might you want to install a fence in autumn or winter?
To be honest, autumn (i.e. right now) can sometimes be an attractive option for homeowners who want to get their fence installed as soon as possible, and with good reason, too. For example, if you’ve just moved house, and spring or summer feels far too far into the future, you might find it easier than you’d think to tackle the job in the autumn or winter, provided the weather is favourable enough. Autumn in particular tends to involve kinder conditions than you might find in the depths of winter.
If you’re planning on getting professional help on the other hand, you may well discover that professional installation services are cheaper during the off-season – provided they have the availability!
Now we should say that ideally, it’s true that dry and mild conditions are the most favourable ones for installing a fence, especially if you’re doing it as a DIY job. That’s exactly why spring and summer are normally such popular months, as they lack the inclement weather that can make the job so tricky. When it comes right down to it though, our starting point still applies – you can install your fence at any time of year, as long as the weather’s nice enough and you’re prepared to deal with the difficulties that the chillier seasons might pose.
Speaking of the colder months, you might want to check out our post on how to get your garden ready for autumn, so you can prepare your existing fence panels for the encroaching clouds. And if you’re looking for any replacements, look no further.
Here at Welch Fencing, we take care to stock such a wide range of garden fence panels for you to choose from – and if you need any help or advice on making your final decision, our friendly staff will be only too happy to lend a word or two of advice. What’s more, we also provide a fantastic range of concrete fence posts to complete your project. As a UK manufacturer of concrete fence posts, we have our very own fleet of delivery vehicles at our disposal, allowing us to get your products right to your door.
Feel free to start browsing them right here on our website, or for any guidance or friendly advice drop us a line on 01772 336 476. We’re here to help!
