4 garden obstacles that could stop you putting up your fence

Putting up a fence is one of the quickest ways to define your garden and add a little extra privacy. But before you start digging, there are a few things you might run into that could slow you down. From uneven ground to tree stumps, there are a handful of garden obstacles you might not expect. Don’t worry though – with a little preparation and our tool hire service, you’ll be able to tackle them head-on and get your fence up without any hassle.

At Smiths Hire, we’re here to help you get your fence and your garden looking sharp. We’ve got everything you need in our tool hire range for you to dive right into the job, from the tools for digging and installation to everything in between. Whether you’re a pro or just tackling the task yourself, we’ve got the right equipment to make sure your fence is sturdy, and your garden stays looking its best.

1. Is the ground uneven?

If your garden isn’t level, it can throw a spanner in the works when it comes to fence installation. Slopes and uneven surfaces may make it tricky to get the posts straight and level. But don’t let that put you off! It’s entirely possible to adjust the design and use custom posts or grading to level things out. A little extra work up front can pay off by making sure your fence is sturdy and looks great, no matter what kind of terrain you’re working with. Whether you need to do a bit of digging or adjust the height of certain posts, taking time to get your ground level will save you a lot of headaches later on.

2. Tree roots and stumps

Tree roots and leftover tree stumps can also really get in the way of your fence installation. Roots can block your posts, and old stumps can make it difficult to dig. It may take some extra effort to remove them, but with the right tools, it’s not a huge hurdle.

Start by digging around the roots to expose them and then cut through them with pruning shears or loppers. For larger roots, you might need a chainsaw to get the job done. If you’re dealing with stubborn stumps, our Petrol Tree Stump Grinder is perfect for grinding them down. Once you’ve cleared out any roots or stumps, you’ll be able to get on with your fence installation without any problems!

3. Boundaries with neighbours

One of the easiest ways to avoid issues with your neighbours is to make sure your fence is going up on the correct side of the property line. No one wants to have a boundary dispute, so it’s a good idea to double-check where your land ends and theirs begins. You can do this by getting a quick survey or checking your land registry, just to be sure. It’s also always nice to give your neighbour a heads-up before you start work – keeping things friendly and open can go a long way when it comes to avoiding any tension.

4. Overgrown plants and vegetation

Overgrown bushes, tangled branches, and thick vegetation can quickly get in the way when you’re putting up a fence. Not only can they make it difficult to see your fence line, but working around them will slow you down. Clearing the area in advance gives you a clean slate and makes the whole job much easier.

If you need to trim back hedges, our Electric Hedge Trimmer is lightweight and energy-efficient, while the Petrol Hedge Trimmer packs extra power for tackling thicker growth. For taller hedges, our Long Reach Petrol Hedge Trimmer will help you get the job done – no ladder needed. If there are thicker or more stubborn branches in the way, the Heavy Duty Petrol Chainsaw or Telescopic Chainsaw will make light work of them.

Once the area is clear, don’t let the offcuts go to waste. Our Towable Wood Chipper turns branches into chips that you can just empty into your compost bin, which will break down into rich soil that’ll be perfect for fertilising plants!

Like any job, proper planning is the key to a great result – so when you’re putting up a fence, a little extra preparation goes a long way. And if you need any tools or advice to help you get the job done, we’ve got you covered at Smiths Hire. With over 50 years of experience providing our top-quality tool hire service from our 18 depots, we have everything you need to get your garden jobs over the line.

Whether you just need a stump grinder or a hedge trimmer, or you need tools to help you put up your fence like a post borer or post driver, our friendly team is just a phone call away on 0333 323 2100. So, when you’re ready to get started, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – we’re always here to help!