You’ve chosen the perfect materials and booked your installation date. Now comes the part that many homeowners overlook: the preparation. In a city like Bristol, where Victorian terraces and narrow side-access are the norm, a bit of pre-work can save hours of labor and ensure a stress-fress build.
At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we pride ourselves on being efficient, but we work best when the "site" is ready for us. Here is our professional guide to preparing your Bristol garden for a new fence or deck.
1. The Access Audit
If you live in a terrace in Southville or Bedminster, access is often the biggest challenge. We need to move heavy timber, bags of cement, and old waste through narrow gaps.
The Fix: Clear the path. Move wheelie bins, bicycles, and garden ornaments away from the side gate or alleyway. If our team needs to come through the house, please clear the hallway of shoes and coats, and consider covering any delicate flooring. We provide floor protection, but a clear path prevents accidental knocks to walls or furniture.
2. Vegetation Clearance
We are landscapers, but we aren't always tree surgeons! If we are installing a fence, we need to be able to reach the boundary line comfortably.
The Fix: Trim back any overhanging branches, ivy, or brambles that sit directly where the new fence or deck will go. If you have prize-winning roses or delicate perennials near the work zone, consider moving them to a temporary pot. A construction site involves heavy boots and power tools; moving plants 2 metres away ensures they stay safe.
3. Underground Hazards
Bristol is an old city, and it isn't uncommon to find shallow pipes or old Victorian drainage just a few inches below the surface.
The Fix: Let us know about any known services. If you know where your main water pipe, gas line, or external power cables for garden lights are located, please point them out. While we use scanners to detect hazards, local knowledge is invaluable for preventing a costly "oops" moment.
4. Pet and Child Safety
We love dogs, but a garden with a missing fence is a high-risk escape zone. Furthermore, wet concrete and curious paws don't mix well!
The Fix: Plan for a "lock-in." On the day of installation, keep pets and children indoors or at a relative's house. This isn't just for their safety; it also allows our team to focus entirely on the precision of the build without worrying about an open gate or a wandering toddler.
5. Neighborly Love
In dense areas like Redland or Clifton, your project will inevitably affect your neighbors. There will be noise, and potentially a skip on the road.
The Fix: Give them a heads-up. A quick text or a knock on the door to let them know the start date and expected duration goes a long way. If we are replacing a shared boundary, ensure they know the "old" fence will be down for a few hours, especially if they have pets that use the garden.
Ready for Day One
By following these simple steps, you ensure that our team can hit the ground running. A clear, safe, and prepared garden means we can spend our time doing what we do best—building you a stunning new outdoor space.
Featured Image Image * [A tidy garden with the boundary line cleared and garden furniture moved to one side, ready for a new fence installation] Image Alt Text * How to prepare a garden for professional fencing and decking installation Tags Select Tags * Preparation, Project Tips, Fencing Installation, Decking Installation, Bristol Homes SEO Settings Meta Title * Preparing Your Bristol Garden for Decking or Fencing Meta Description * Get your Bristol garden ready for the pros. We share tips on clearing access, protecting plants, and managing neighbors to ensure a smooth installation.