Before the snow: a quick fall check
- Walk the fence line. Look for loose boards, leaning sections or wobbly posts — small problems are easier to fix before the ground freezes.
- Clear the base. Rake leaves and pull back soil, mulch or plants touching the boards. Wood that stays wet wears out faster.
- Check gates and hardware. Tighten hinges and latches so gates don’t sag or swing in winter winds.
- Trim branches that could rub against the fence or fall on it under the weight of snow and ice.
During winter
- Don’t pile snow against the fence. When clearing the driveway or walkway, throw snow away from the fence — heavy, wet snow pushes on boards and keeps the wood damp.
- Keep salt and de-icer away from the wood where you can. Salty slush splashed onto the boards and posts isn’t good for them.
- Leave gates free. Clear snow in front of gates you use so you don’t have to force them open.
In spring: watch for frost heave
As the ground freezes and thaws, it moves — and it can lift or tilt fence posts. Once the snow is gone, look along the fence line for posts that have lifted, leaned or loosened. Catching it early usually means a simpler repair.
Stain or seal when the weather is right
A stain or sealer helps protect wood from moisture and sun. It’s a job for warm, dry weather — not winter. Follow the product’s instructions for temperature and drying time.
When to call a professional
If sections are leaning, posts are loose or boards are broken, a repair now prevents a bigger job later. See our fence repairs — photos of the damage help us understand it before we visit.