If you have dogs, then you probably know that they can be hard on your wood fencing in Stafford County, VA. So what can you do to prevent permanent damage to your wood fencing caused by dogs?
Planning, Design, and Installation
Dogs will chew on and dig under wood fencing; you must plan to discourage both of these activities. To prevent chewing on boards, you should plan for your fencing to be no more than one inch above the ground.
If you have a dog or dogs that are triggered by the sight of other people, dogs, or cars, a privacy fence is the best design to discourage behaviors that could be damaging to your fence, dog, and other people and animals. And if you have a large dog who likes to jump (or an escape artist), the taller your privacy fence is, the better.
To prevent dogs digging, your fence should not be built over lawn or dirt. Instead, talk with your fence builder about installing concrete curbing or lining the fence in paving stones or rock mulch.
Landscaping to Deter and Redirect Dogs
Another way to prevent your dog’s access to your fence is to plant bushes that will deter them from getting too close to your fence.
Some homeowners find that redirecting their dog’s path through the yard using paved pathways, rock mulch, and creative landscaping can also prevent damage to their wood fencing in Stafford County, VA.
Proper Maintenance is Key to Preserving Wood Fencing
A few weeks after your fence has been installed, you will want to seal it with a non-toxic, dog-safe sealer (just in case your dog still finds a way to chew the fencing). This prevents the boards from splitting or becoming damaged due to weather. Small damage to boards can become large damage, once your dog gets to chewing on it, so make sure that you have boards repaired and/or replaced as soon as possible.
For more information about dogs and wood fencing in Stafford County, VA, please contact Carter Fence. Since 1986, Carter Fence has been installing and servicing fences in Stafford County, VA, and the rest of the Northern Virginia area — from tall wood privacy fences to decorative picket fences — and everything in between. Our expert team uses quality materials and advanced installation and design techniques to ensure you get the best fence for your needs.