Your fence company likely has experience installing a variety of fences in a variety of situations. If your yard is hilly, you'll need a fence adapted to the site, which could include custom-cut materials and more. Here are some questions to get you started planning the fence installation with your fence company.
1. What options do you recommend for sloping fencelines?
Constructing a fence up a slope can be a complex proposition. The shape of the fence and the best way to install it on the slope will depend on things like how steep the hill is, whether the fence materials can be custom-cut, and more.
Some of the options for constructing a fence that slopes include:
- Stair stepped fence (panels flat across the top and bottom, which leaves a small gap beneath each panel)
- Stepped fence with gaps filled in (panels sloped across the bottom to reduce or eliminate gaps)
- Racked fence, (individual boards, called pickets, are adjusted to follow the slope)
Different methods will create different looks, and some may be more suitable for your situation than others. For example, if your fence needs to enclose a small dog, you won't want a stair-stepped option that leaves gaps under each panel.
2. What are the options to prevent erosion?
If your fence cuts across a sloped area in your yard, it could be at risk from erosion damage when stormwater collects against the fence edge. Your fence contractor can help you plan a fence that will hold up against erosion; for example, a wire fence that can let water flow through easily, or a fence with a French drain system to handle any stormwater that collects.
3. How much does a steep hill increase installation cost?
The labor involved in hauling fence materials up steep hills can make the job take longer and thus cost more. In addition, the fence company may need to factor in costs such as more expensive custom-made fence materials or the labor time needed to customize the materials for you.
If your fence company has a lot of experience with hilly yards, they can estimate how much a hilly yard will likely cost to fence versus a flatter yard.
4. Can you provide a free quote?
Some hilly yards will have other complexities as well, such as marshy areas, difficult soil, or a lot of brush. For an accurate price, you'll need the contractor to actually come out and take a look at the site and give you a quote. Fortunately, a lot of contractors will do this for free.
These questions can help you discuss with your fence contractor the process and specifics of installing a fence in your hilly yard. Get in touch with a local contractor today to learn more.
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