When it comes to building a fence in your back yard, there are a lot of factors you need to consider. Trees can present a rather large challenge if they’re located close to the line where you intend to build.
If you damage your tree’s large root system, it can leave the tree vulnerable to disease or death. Even clipping the smaller roots can impair healthy growth.
On the other hand, if you’re not careful, a fence can be severely damaged by rampant root growth, causing buckling and upheaving. Posts could be pushed out of alignment over time, and you’ll end up having to rip it out and re-install it.
So how can you safely install a fence around your tree?
Measure It Out
As with every home improvement venture, take the time to plan ahead. Measure twice, cut once, as some people say. Measure out the line of your future fence and mark your posts with small stakes.
Make sure your stakes are not located too close to the tree. Keep them beyond the spread of the tree branches, or outside of the drip line. A good way to estimate where the roots are is to look at the branches. Roots usually only spread about as far as the branches do.
Do a Little Digging
Take note, when you’re putting in your stakes, of whether or not you’re hitting any obstacles. Pound the stakes down about 2 or 3 feet, check for roots, and then relocate your stakes if you actually do hit a root.
Once you’re done and all the stakes have been planned out, then you can get down to the business of digging holes for your fence posts and continuing on as normal.
Get Some Help!
Of course, you don’t have to tackle this project alone. If you live in Mequon, Fox Point, or anywhere else in the Milwaukee metro area, then give us a call. A-1 Fence has been installing fences since 1977, and we’ve seen it all. We’ll be able to give you a free estimate, get that fence installed, and provide quality work.
