Fence Installation on Cape Cod: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most homeowners think fence installation is simple. Dig holes, drop posts, attach panels. Done.

Then the fence starts leaning after six months.

Here's what goes wrong and how to avoid it.

Mistake Number One: Ignoring Property Lines

You'd be surprised how many people guess where their property ends. Then the survey comes back and the fence is two feet into the neighbor's yard. Always get a survey before you dig. Save yourself the legal headache and the cost of moving everything.

Mistake Number Two: Skipping Permits

Cape Cod towns have specific rules about fence height, setback, and placement. Dennis, Yarmouth, Barnstable—they all have different requirements. Skip the permit and you might be forced to tear down your brand new fence. We handle permits as part of our service because we know the local codes.

Mistake Number Three: Wrong Post Depth

Cape Cod weather is brutal. Wind, salt air, freeze-thaw cycles. If your posts aren't deep enough, your fence won't last. Posts need to go down at least 30 inches, sometimes deeper depending on soil conditions. We've seen too many DIY jobs fail because posts were only 18 inches deep.

Mistake Number Four: Choosing the Wrong Material

Not every fence material works well near the ocean. Cedar resists rot but needs maintenance. Vinyl won't rot but can crack in extreme cold. Chain link rusts if it's not galvanized properly. We help you pick materials that match your location and budget.

Mistake Number Five: Poor Drainage Planning

Water pools around fence posts and causes rot or frost heave. Proper grading and gravel backfill prevent this. It's a small detail that makes a huge difference in fence lifespan.

We've installed fences across Cape Cod for decades. We know what works and what fails. Let us help you avoid these costly mistakes.

Contact PRO Fence Co. today: Cape Cod: 508-394-4800 // Address: 133 Upper County Rd. S. Dennis, MA 02660 Wilmington: 781-933-1234 // 835 Woburn St. Wilmington, MA 01887

Website: www.profenceco.com