Can you install a fence in winter?

Summer is over, the days are getting shorter and we’re quickly hurtling towards freezing temperatures, Christmas trees and the festive season. So, does that mean you’ve missed your chance to install a new fence this year? Well, if you’ve been wondering, the short answer is; no you haven’t. When it comes down to it, you can install garden fencing at any time of year, no matter the season if the conditions are right. But that answer alone is rather vague isn’t it?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question isn’t a cookie-cutter yes or no, because there are a few factors at play. Don’t worry though – as experts in all things garden fencing, our team at Monton Fencing is here to give you all the details you need to get your garden looking exactly the way you envision it, whatever the season. So when it comes to installing a fence in winter, here’s what you need to know.

What makes installing a fence in winter difficult?

While it is 100% possible to successfully install a fence in winter and have it look just as great as one installed in milder weather, winter brings its own set of challenges – the most obvious of which are snow and ice. When freezing temperatures hit, digging the holes for your fence posts becomes a near-impossible task to do by hand.

The good news is that we tend to see more rain than anything else here in the UK, which can give you more of an opportunity to find a milder few days to install your fence. The downside of the rain we see so often is that it has the opposite effect of ice; it can make the ground too soft to the point when it becomes impossible to dig a proper hole to support your fence posts. If you try to install your fence on the waterlogged ground, it can seriously compromise the structural integrity of your fence and affect its longevity.

What’s more, if you’re using timber posts, standing water can cause rot, further weakening the fence and costing you more money than necessary. So, while winter fence installation is absolutely possible, it’s essential to carefully consider the weather if you’re going to move forward with your fence installation to ensure long-term stability and durability.

What to consider about a winter fence installation

If you ever find yourself thinking you might have missed the boat with putting up your fencing for the year, the truth is that we actually have many customers buying and installing brand-new garden fencing, even now in November. So, if you’ve recently moved house or you’re eager to put a new stamp on your garden and spring or summer feels too far off, tackling the project now in autumn or even winter can be just as practical an option – as long as the weather cooperates, of course. Now, in particular, often offers milder conditions compared to the harsher winter weeks of January.

Dry and mild weather is the preferred condition for installing a fence, especially if you’re planning to DIY, and that’s why you see the vast majority of garden fencing projects take place in spring and summer. However, with proper preparation, you can successfully install a fence any time of year, as long as the weather is reasonable and you’re ready to handle the challenges that come with winter.

If you’re thinking about undertaking a garden fencing project now or in the near future, and you want a team of friendly fencing experts to give you a helping hand, look no further! Our team at Monton is second to none in the Greater Manchester area. We’re a family-run fencing business with over 30 years of experience providing customers with robust, reliable, and stylish timber and composite fence panels. Are you interested? Get in touch with us today on 0161 788 78 38, or stop by our storefront in Eccles for a chat and to see our range of stunning garden fencing products in person!