Care & longevity
Fence Maintenance and Treatment: A Simple Schedule
Two short jobs a year — a spring check and a treatment coat every second year — add several years to a timber fence.
Fence maintenance is genuinely simple, which is why it gets skipped. Here is the routine we recommend to clients, and what we'd do ourselves.
The annual check
Once a year, walk the fence and push each post firmly at shoulder height. Movement at the base is the early warning. Look at the bottom of the boards, the gravel boards, and any point where soil, decking or a raised bed touches the timber.
Treating: what and when
Pressure-treated timber does not need immediate treatment; let a new fence weather for a few months. After that, a spirit-based preserver or a quality stain every two years is sufficient for most gardens, and annually for south-facing or fully exposed runs. Choose a dry spell with a couple of rain-free days after.
Green algae and black mould
Shaded, north-facing boundaries go green. A stiff brush, a garden-safe fungicidal wash and a dry day handle it. Avoid aggressive pressure washing on softwood — it lifts the grain and strips treatment, leaving the timber worse than before.
Small repairs worth doing early
- Renail or screw loose feather-edge boards before wind takes them
- Replace a cracked gravel board rather than letting boards sit on soil
- Re-tighten gate hinges and adjust the latch before the frame drops
- Clear soil and leaf build-up away from the base of posts each autumn
Frequently asked
Can I paint a fence any colour?
Yes, with an exterior-grade fence paint. Darker colours show fading less on south-facing runs.
How long should I wait before treating a new fence?
Typically two to three months so the pressure treatment dries out enough to accept a coating.
Is pressure washing a fence a bad idea?
On softwood, generally yes at high pressure. Use a wide fan, low pressure and a brush instead.
Do you offer a maintenance visit?
Yes — we carry out re-treating, board and gravel-board replacement and gate adjustment as small repair jobs.
Want this priced properly for your garden?
Free site visit across London and Hertfordshire, a written specification, and a fixed price. No obligation.