Preparing Your Yard Before Fence Installation

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Short Answer

To prepare for fence installation, mark the property line, clear a 3 to 5 foot work zone along the fence path, call 811 to locate buried utilities, remove obstacles like old fence or landscape features, and confirm the crew can access the yard with equipment. A day of prep on your side saves the crew hours on install day and helps ensure the finished fence lands where you want it.

At Fence Company of Columbus, installs go smoothest when the homeowner has done a bit of prep work before the crew arrives. Here is the checklist we walk clients through in the week before install day.

What to Do 2 Weeks Before Install

The 2 week window is for the paperwork side. Two things to handle:

• Confirm the property line. If you are not 100 percent sure where the line runs, order a survey. Property line disputes with neighbors are much easier to resolve before the fence is in the ground than after.
• File any required permits or HOA approvals. Permits and HOA reviews can take 2 to 4 weeks. Do this early so it does not become the bottleneck.

What to Do 1 Week Before Install

The week before install is for the practical prep. Three things:

• Call 811 to locate underground utilities. This is a free service in Ohio. Utilities send technicians to mark gas, electric, water, cable, and phone lines with colored paint or flags. The crew needs these markings before they start digging post holes.
• Confirm access. The crew needs to bring in materials and equipment. Confirm there is a gate wide enough, a driveway clear enough, or a path to the fence line that a truck and post-hole digger can reach.
• Remove landscape obstacles. Move any planters, garden decorations, or lawn furniture that sits in or near the fence line. Trim back shrubs that will interfere with post work.

What to Do the Day Before Install

Final prep is short but important:

• Confirm the schedule. A quick text or call to confirm arrival time and any last-minute questions.
• Contain pets. Pets need to be inside or in a controlled area during install. Post-hole digging, sawing, and vehicle movement create hazards for animals.
• Move vehicles. Clear the driveway or garage access if the crew needs it.
• Have the utility markings visible. Point out where the 811 marks are so the crew can plan around them from the start.

Utility Marking (Call 811)

Ohio's 811 system is the free public service that dispatches utility technicians to mark buried lines before any digging project. It is legally required for excavation work in Ohio, including fence post holes.

Call at least 3 business days before the fence work starts. Utilities have that window to send technicians. The markings usually last 10 to 14 days before they need to be refreshed. Time the call so the marks are still visible on install day.

The most common issues we see on install day are 811 calls that were skipped entirely (leaves the crew unable to dig safely) and 811 calls that were made too early (marks have faded and need to be redone).

Communicating With Neighbors

If the fence runs along a shared property line, tell the neighbor before install day. A brief conversation prevents surprises and lets the neighbor plan around any noise, blocked driveway access, or workers on their side of the line.

Most neighbors appreciate the heads up. Some may want to share cost if the fence benefits both properties. Have the specific plan (height, material, timing) ready when you talk to them.

What NOT to Do

• Do not remove the old fence yourself unless the crew asked you to. Some crews prefer to remove the old fence themselves because their disposal setup is more efficient.
• Do not dig post holes ahead of time. The crew's spacing may differ from yours, and pre-dug holes usually need to be re-dug anyway.
• Do not skip the 811 call. Hitting a buried utility line is expensive at minimum and dangerous at worst.
• Do not assume the crew will move landscape features. Anything in the fence line that you want protected should be moved by you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove my old fence myself?

Usually no. The contractor typically handles old fence removal as part of the project scope. Confirm this in the quote before install day.

What if the yard is fully landscaped?

Landscape complexity is manageable. The crew will work around plants and beds as much as possible, but any items directly in the post line may need to be moved. Discuss specific items with the crew in advance.

Do I need to be home during install?

Not required for most residential installs. If the property line has any ambiguity, being home for at least the initial post layout is helpful. Otherwise the crew works from the marked plan.

How much yard access does the crew need?

A gate opening at least 3 feet wide is typically enough for hand-carried materials. For larger projects with mechanical post-hole diggers, the crew may need a wider access path (5 to 6 feet). Confirm access details in advance.

Ready to Get Started?

At Fence Company of Columbus, we send a pre-install checklist to every client before install day so nothing gets missed on your side, and the crew arrives to a site that is ready for the actual fence work rather than prep work.

👉 Call us, email us, or fill out the form on the home page to receive a free quote. We serve Sunbury, Dublin, Westerville, Worthington, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, and Delaware.

Written by the team at Fence Company of Columbus, updated July 2026.

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