Cedar is one of the most popular woods for fencing. It's simply beautiful, aromatic, and naturally resistant to rot and insects. However, that doesn’t automatically mean staining is required . So let’s break down what staining really does, what happens if you skip it, and how to make the best decision for your property. Staining isn’t just about color. It actively protects  your fence from the elements: UV protection & color retention:  Cedar naturally fades to a silvery gr

Seeing green on your wooden fence, whether streaks, patches, or a fuzzy coating, can be alarming. But that green doesn’t always mean the wood is rotting. In many cases, the culprit is one (or more) of the following: 1. Pressure-Treated Wood Preservatives If your fence is made from pressure-treated lumber , the green color may be built in: many preservatives are copper-based, and that gives the wood a greenish tint. Over time, as the wood weathers (sunlight, rain, drying), tha

There are several important reasons to mark (or “locate”) public utilities before installing a fence, especially when digging for fence posts. Here are the key reasons: 1. Safety Prevent injury or worse : Many utility lines (gas, electric, etc.) run underground. If you hit a gas line or live electrical cable, it can be really dangerous, like potentially causing explosion, electrocution, or serious injury dangerous Avoid service disruption : Damaging a utility line can knock o

If you're planning to install a fence, one of the most important first steps might surprising  you: getting a property survey . This might feel like extra work — but doing the survey right can save you headaches, money, and even legal trouble down the road. Here’s what a property survey is, and why it’s so valuable when building a fence. What Is a Property Survey? A property survey is a detailed, professional assessment of your land. A licensed land surveyor will map out your

Why You Need to Locate Irrigation Systems Before Putting Up a Fence Putting up a fence is a major yard project but before you start digging postholes, there’s an often-overlooked step: locating your irrigation system . Skipping that step can lead to costly damage, system failures, and headaches. Here’s why marking your sprinkler / irrigation lines is so critical when planning a fence. Protect Your Irrigation System Sprinkler lines are often buried a few inches to a foot (or

There’s something quietly beautiful about a cedar fence that has weathered into a silvery grey patina. But if your fence started out with warm reddish-brown tones, you might be wondering: why does cedar turn this way?  It’s not just age it’s a combination of chemical, biological, and environmental factors at work. The Science Behind the Greying Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation & Lignin Breakdown Cedar wood contains lignin, a complex organic polymer that helps give wood its color an

Protection from Wildlife and Pets One of the biggest headaches for a gardener is seeing plants damaged by animals—whether that’s wild creatures like deer or rabbits, or domestic pets and even kids running through beds. A fence helps act as a physical barrier. In addition to having a barrier against the wildfire, a garden fence will also safe guard your plants against any pets or children at play. Think of it this way, if you’ve invested time (and money!) in your garden, the f

Even though vinyl fences are low-maintenance compared to wood, they still pick up grime over time. Things like dust, pollen, mold, mildew, algae, and general outdoor dirt can build up on the surface. If you ignore that buildup for too long, the fence can look dingy and discolored . Additionally if left in shaded areas, it is common for mold and mildew to get worse if ignored. What You’ll Need (Tools + Supplies) Here’s a breakdown of what to gather before you start: Tools Gard

Preparing your yard properly before installing a fence can save you time, money, headaches and it helps ensure your fence is built to last. Here are the key steps to yard prep and why each one matters: Verify property lines & check for easements Confirm exactly where your property ends. Installing the fence even a few inches over the line can lead to disputes or the need to move the fence. Nearly all properties have metal property pins. To avoid hiring a surveyor, you may loc

Yes ! You can  install a fence on top of a retaining wall but there are some important structural, code, and safety considerations. Continue reading to find out the important things to considering when installing a fence on top of a retaining wall. Key Considerations Building / Permit Requirements Many jurisdictions treat a fence-on-wall as a “hybrid” structure, meaning a fence on a retaining wall may require a building permit . The combined height  of the retaining wall + fe

Typical Lifespan of a Cedar Fence On average, a well-built cedar fence can last 15 to 30 years . With keeping up with the maintenance and care of the fence, it could last up to ~40 years Without maintenance, or in harsher conditions, lifespan tends to be on the lower end. Why Cedar Can Last So Long Natural resistance : Cedar has natural oils that help repel insects and resist decay. Dimensional stability : It doesn’t warp or shrink as much as some other woods. Quality install

... Part 2! If you’ve noticed your fence gate dragging, scraping the ground, or the latch no longer aligning, chances are it’s sagging. A sagging gate is both annoying (hard to open/close), inconvenient and a red flag that something in the structure is out of true. Let’s break down the why , then the how  (the fix), so you’ll understand what’s going on and how to address it. Common Causes of Sagging 1. Gate Post has Shifted or is Unstable The gate is only as good as the post

When you notice that your fence is starting to lean, it can be more than just an eye-sore. A leaning fence often signals underlying problems that may worsen if left unaddressed. There are several reasons as to why your fence might have started to lean or tilt. More often than not, it is several components working together to cause the damage.  Improper Installation / Shallow Posts   If the fence posts were not installed deeply enough or lacked proper anchoring, the structure

Safety & Containment A fenced dog run provides a designated area where your dog can be outside without constant supervision, reducing risk of escapes or wandering into potentially dangerous places (roads, plants and neighboring yards).   A dog run fence will also help protect your dog from other animals or hazards entering your yard. Exercise, Mental Stimulation & Behaviour Just like us humans, dogs need the space to move, explore, sniff, and play. Having a designated area fo

When it comes to installing a fence, one of the most important steps you can take is ensuring your new fence is placed on your property—and nowhere else. While most cities don’t require you to get a property survey, at Ridgeline Fence and Deck, we highly recommend it.

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