Creating the perfect winter landscape isn’t just about decking out your house with lights or adding your favorite decorations to the lawn; your fence plays a large role in your home’s curb appeal all year round, and winter is the perfect time to consider maintenance!
Enhance your holiday curb appeal this season (and prevent spring repair surprises) with these tips from our Ocean County, NJ fence company!
1. Prevent Vinyl Fences From Cracking During Cold Snaps
A quality Egg Harbor Township vinyl fence is built to last. Our vinyl fences use premium vinyl that’s proven to last decades in all of our city’s seasonal weather conditions, including the frigid blizzard temperatures we’re used to during the holiday season and early in the new year. But icy winds and frost can cause damage to even high-quality vinyl at times, which makes a little proactive prep useful.
- Be sure to gently clear away snow and ice on your fence, including its top rail and around the post bases
- Avoid hitting the fence with a shovel during snow removal
- Cut back any tree branches that could fall and damage your fence
2. Keep the Base of Wood Fences Clear
Too much snow at the base of your wood fence traps moisture, which can lead to rot and mold. Be sure to use a bristled brush or small broom to push off snow and clear the bottom of your fence line.
Wood fences are most likely to rot at the ground level, so simply taking time to remove snow and ice when you can is a simple step that can extend your fence’s life.
3. Avoid Damaging Pickets With Nails or Screws
Use pins or wreath hangers to string holiday lights or garlands along your fence. Focus on lightweight decorations that won’t apply unnecessary pressure to your top rail, which could lead to sagging or frost damage if it snows.
Here are some of our favorite fence-friendly tips for decorating this holiday season:
- Only use LED lights that are marked safe for outdoor use
- Tie oversized bows around fence posts
- Use plastic wreath hangers or light clips (meant for gutters, but great for fences) to prevent damage while hanging ornaments, wreaths, or garlands
- Space the weight of decorations evenly to avoid straining the fence pickets
4. Trim Tree Branches to Prevent Damage
Tree trimming during winter is beneficial because it reduces stress on trees and helps prevent property damage. If you have any trees growing close to your fence line, be sure to trim back branches that could snap under the weight of snow or be blown off in strong winds. Whether you do it yourself or hire a local tree expert, this simple winter maintenance can save your fence.
5. Inspect Your Gate
Does your gate have a loose hinge, drag, or a lock that needs fixing? Winter is a good time to address any issues that could pose safety concerns or security risks, especially if you have guests coming to visit. Taking a moment to do a quick inspection ensures your gate stays safe, accessible, and reliable.
Make Winter a Dream in Your Yard With Ocean County, NJ Fence Company
Get professional service, from installation to fence repair, from the experienced team at Progressive Fence and Rail in South Jersey. Our team is here to provide you with professional advice and premium materials to make your fence stand out.
Contact us online, call (609) 507-4517, or text (609) 507-0143 to speak with a local fence expert!
From fences to railings, gates, and more, Progressive Fence and Rail is here to make your outdoor landscape shine.