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Few things look as aesthetically pleasing as wooden fencing to round off your garden. But with great looks comes greater garden fence maintenance responsibility.
The good news is that, with proper care, timber fencing can last much longer than most people expect. Here we’ve rounded up our top tips for wood fence maintenance, plus signs that it might be time to get new fencing.
The lifespan of a wood garden fence can vary between 10 and 20 years, depending on how well you look after it.
Including things like moisture damage protection, wood treatment, and taking care of unexpected issues quickly in your regular maintenance routine can add years to the life of your
timber fencing. These care tips will also go a long way towards keeping your wood fence looking nice, while also staying sturdy.
One popular type of garden fencing is palisade fencing. Made out of vertical slats (most commonly metal or wood) equidistantly attached to horizontal railing, palisade fencing is used for a mix of protection and visibility.
For additional security, timber palisade fencing can be made with pointed-top slats – which has the added benefit of creating a traditional picket fence.
In terms of how to maintain timber palisade fencing, there are several key things to keep on top of:
• Keep the area clean - Damage prevention begins with removing any foliage encroaching on your fence. This will prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rot, as well as added weight. Trim back trees, bushes, and plants as part of your garden fence maintenance to avoid this.
• Check for damaged areas – Speaking of rot, regularly inspecting the slats of your fencing for termites or wood rot should be added to your wood fence maintenance list. Any areas where the wood is crumbling or feels soft are a sign that you need to take action as soon as possible to repair the damage.
• Clean regularly – Buildup of mildew, dirt, or algae can also threaten the integrity of your fencing. Make sure to hose down the timber at least once a year as part of your garden fence maintenance, using mild detergent where necessary. More stubborn stains can be defeated with the help of a pressure washer – just make sure the pressure isn’t too high as it might damage the material.
• Invest in wood stain – Whether you want to protect your fencing from the elements, insects, or rot, staining it or using another type of wood preservative can safeguard the timber for up to three years. You can also keep the colour of the wood from fading by picking a treatment with UV protection built- in.
• Stay on top of repaints – While quality protective coating can last for several years, good wood fence maintenance includes ensuring you’re reapplying the stain or paint when it starts to wear off. As well as keeping insects and damp away, this has the added benefit of your fencing always looking pristine.
At the end of the day, even the best garden fence maintenance can only take your timber fencing so far. There are some clear signs that your fence might be beyond help, starting with loss of structural integrity.
If you notice that your fence posts are listing to one side, this might be a sign of rot or a weakened frame; in many situations, a replacement might offer better value-for-money than repairs.
Similarly, if the timber is crumbling, soft, or infested by termites beyond the very early stages, you will need to replace it.
Failing fixings and fasteners are another red flag. If screws, nails, or other key connectors are often falling out of your fencing, chances are there’s an underlying problem with the material, rather than just the installation.
If you find that this is a persistent issue, you might be dealing with deteriorating wood, rather than just fluctuations caused by humidity or temperature shifts.
Have you reached the stage in your wood fence maintenance journey where even your best efforts can’t revive your old timber? Fear not, we’re here to help!
Our specialist team can replace your damaged fencing with a long-lasting, stylish new fence.
Our range of solutions spans everything from timber palisade fencing and feather edge fencing to panel fencing and composite fencing. So, whether you’re choosing based on appearance, security, or both, we’ve got something for you.
We’ll help you choose the best fence wood type and style to meet your needs, then book an installation date that suits your schedule to put everything in place.
Browse our garden fencing range today or contact us for a free consultation!