Landscaping and Your New Fence: What You Need to Know
Admin • May 29, 2019
Fences add privacy, security, and style. The addition of a fence may also improve the value and function of a yard. The benefits of fencing are many, but there are also potential concerns that can arise between the new fence and the other items that make up the landscape. Here are the three main concerns to consider as you plan your new fence.
Damage From Trees
Trees can become a problem for fences, so you should remember the potential of damage from tree roots and broken limbs.
Leave plenty of space between young trees and the fence so the tree has room to grow. Regularly prune any mature trees near the new fence so limbs do not put the fence at risk, and always inspect the branches after any major storms to identify new damage.
Tree roots typically spread out as far as the branches and can spread much further with certain invasive species. Some of the invasive species of trees include certain types of willow, maple, poplar, and elm trees. Roots can damage posts or push them out of place as the roots grow. Removal of the roots can harm the tree.
Only cut roots to install fence posts if they are not too close to the tree. The roots near the base of the trunk are structural roots and if they are damaged the tree has a higher risk of falling. Safe roots to cut are at least one footaway for every inch of the trunk diameter. For example, if the tree has a 12-inch diameter trunk, only cut roots at least 12-feet away from the base.
Interference With Gardens
Privacy fences may cast too much shade on an existing flower or vegetable garden. Plan the location of the fence beforehand to avoid this issue. Watch the sun during the day to gauge how much daylight the panels would block and adjust the plan or relocate the garden if needed.
Any fence can become a garden problem. Always install the barrier several feet away from the growing area so it is possible to tend the garden. The space should accommodate the gardener as well as any tools they use like wheelbarrows or rototillers. Remember to leave room for any future expansions or lawn accessories you may want to add.
Problems While Mowing
It may take longer to cut the grass once a fence is in place, and you should be cautious to avoid damage to the panels, slats, and posts with the equipment. Leave space between the fence and the mower to prevent accidental hits. Use a trimmer to clean up the long grass next to the fence, but angle it downward and move slowly so the string does not strike the fence.
You can also choose an alternative option to make it easier to mow without any damage. Fences with the bottom edge raised from the grass a few inches will leave only the posts to worry about. A mow-free barrier can also help because the mower and trimmer are kept away from the fence. The barrier could be several inches of crushed stone, brick pavers or a row of hedges.
Metal shields around the posts will stop weed trimmer damage. Hand trimmers are another option to battery or gas powered trimmers, but it takes more time and physical effort.
A high-quality fence is a substantial investment, so you should plan the layout carefully before you buy any materials, and take the small steps after installation to keep it safe. At West Georgia Fence Co., we can help you with the plans and the installation. Contact us today to get started.
The Best Fence for Your Atlanta-Area Home This Summer (2026 Guide) Summer is the most popular time of year for fence installation in the Greater Carrollton and Atlanta Metro area — and for good reason. Long days, dry ground, and the urge to actually use your backyard all push homeowners to finally pull the trigger on that fence project they've been putting off. But with so many material options, choosing the right fence can feel overwhelming. This guide answers the questions we hear most often this time of year so you can make a confident decision before the summer slips away. What Is the Best Type of Fence for Georgia's Summer Heat? Georgia summers are no joke — heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms put real stress on fencing materials. Here's how each major type holds up: Wood Fence — Classic and cost-effective, but wood requires the most summer maintenance. Heat and humidity cause wood to expand, contract, and potentially warp or crack over time. Annual sealing or staining is strongly recommended for Georgia homeowners. PVC (Vinyl) Fence — PVC is one of the best performers in hot, humid climates. It doesn't rot, splinter, or absorb moisture, and it won't need painting or staining. If low maintenance is your priority, PVC is a top choice for Georgia summers. Ornamental (Iron/Aluminum) Fence — Ornamental fencing is extremely durable in heat and storm conditions. The open design actually works in its favor during summer — it doesn't catch wind during storms the way solid panels can. A quality powder-coat finish resists rust and UV fading. Chain Link Fence — The most weather-resistant option by far. Metal construction means no warping, cracking, or swelling regardless of temperature swings. Chain link is a practical, budget-friendly option for large properties, pet containment, and commercial use. Should I Install a Fence in Summer or Wait Until Fall? Most homeowners assume fall is better for fence installation, but summer is actually an excellent time — here's why: Ground conditions in Georgia are typically firm and dry in summer, making post-setting easier and more precise. Scheduling availability tends to open up faster than in the spring rush. You get to enjoy it sooner. Installing in June or July means your yard is fenced and functional for backyard gatherings all season long. The one caveat: if you're installing a wood fence, avoid scheduling during an extended stretch of heavy rain. Saturated soil can shift newly set posts before the concrete fully cures. How Do I Know If I Need a Permit to Install a Fence in Carroll County or the Atlanta Area? Permit requirements vary by city and county, but here's what's typical in the West Georgia region: Most residential fences under 6 feet do not require a permit in Carroll County, but you should always verify with your local zoning office before breaking ground. HOA rules are separate from permit requirements — check with your homeowners association about height limits, material restrictions, and approved colors. Corner lots and properties near easements often have additional setback rules. West Georgia Fence has been serving the Greater Carrollton and Atlanta Metro area for over 50 years. Our team is familiar with local requirements and can help guide you through the process before your project starts. How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in the Atlanta Metro Area? Fence cost varies based on material, linear footage, terrain, and gate placement. Here are general ranges for the West Georgia and Atlanta area in 2026: Fence Type Approximate Cost Per Linear Foot (Installed) Chain Link $15 – $30 Wood (Privacy) $25 – $45 PVC / Vinyl $30 – $55 Ornamental Aluminum $30 – $60 Commercial Fencing Varies — contact for quote These figures are estimates. Sloped terrain, rock soil, removal of an old fence, and gate hardware all affect the final price. West Georgia Fence offers free custom quotes — call 770-832-3363 to get an accurate number for your specific property. Financing is also available with approved credit, so cost doesn't have to be a barrier to getting started this summer. What's the Best Fence for Privacy in a Georgia Backyard? For maximum backyard privacy, you'll want a solid panel fence with minimal gaps. The top choices: Wood Privacy Fence — The most traditional option. A 6-foot board-on-board or shadowbox wood fence provides excellent privacy and a natural look that blends into most Georgia landscaping. PVC Privacy Fence — Offers the same solid panel privacy as wood but with virtually zero maintenance. No painting, no staining, no warping. Many homeowners in the Atlanta area are switching from wood to PVC for exactly this reason. Ornamental with Privacy Slats — If you love the look of ornamental fencing but want more privacy, metal slats or inserts can be added to chain link or ornamental panels for a hybrid solution. 5 Signs Your Existing Fence Needs Repair Before Summer Gatherings Don't let a damaged fence ruin your summer entertaining plans. Watch for these red flags: Leaning or tilting posts — A leaning post is usually a sign of rotted wood or a shifting concrete footing. It won't fix itself. Boards with cracks, gaps, or rot — Cosmetic issues become structural ones when left through another Georgia summer. Rust stains or peeling paint on metal fencing — Surface rust spreads. Catching it early with touch-up paint or powder coat prevents full panel replacement. Gates that drag, stick, or won't latch — Gate hardware loosens over time, especially on heavy ornamental gates. Visible gaps at the base — If pets or small children could slip under, it's time to address the grade or add a bottom rail. West Georgia Fence handles repairs as well as new installations. If you're not sure whether your existing fence can be saved, we're happy to take a look. Why Choose a Local, Family-Owned Fence Company? With so many national chains advertising online, it can be tempting to go with the lowest bid from an out-of-area company. Here's why local matters: A company based in Carroll County knows the soil conditions, the local permit landscape, and what fence styles actually hold up in West Georgia's climate. West Georgia Fence has been family-owned and operated for over 50 years , holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau , and is fully licensed and insured. We've installed fences on everything from rural properties to government buildings to Atlanta-area apartment complexes — and we stand behind every job with a warranty. When you call us, you're talking to neighbors who care about the work they put their name on. Ready to Get a Free Quote? Whether you need a brand-new fence installed before your next backyard cookout or you're dealing with storm damage from the last Georgia thunderstorm, West Georgia Fence is ready to help. Ready to Get a Free Quote? Whether you need a brand-new fence installed before your next backyard cookout or you're dealing with storm damage from the last Georgia thunderstorm, West Georgia Fence is ready to help. 📞 Call us at 770-832-3363 📍 Serving Carrollton, Atlanta Metro, and surrounding West Georgia communities 🕐 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
If you run a home daycare, you likely have an outdoor space where children play. Keep them safe with a well-designed fence using these tips.
If you have a pool and want to better protect yourself, kids, and anyone else who visits, check out these three tips for better pool safety.
