Preparing your land for a fence installation

You've chosen the material, style, and height of your future fence. The excitement is building! But before our installers arrive, there's an often-underestimated step that guarantees the strength, aesthetics, and longevity of your project: preparing the land.

A well-prepared site allows for a faster, more efficient installation without unpleasant surprises. It's the assurance of a solid foundation for your investment. Here is our step-by-step guide to preparing your yard like a pro.

Step 1: Planning and essential checks

Before even picking up a shovel, a few administrative and preventive steps are essential.

An essential and non-negotiable call: Contact Info-Excavation

This is the most critical step, and it is absolutely mandatory in Quebec. Before planning a single shovel strike, you must contact Info-Excavation. This free and legal service allows for the precise location of underground infrastructure on your property (gas lines, electrical cables, telecommunications, etc.).

Ignoring this step can have disastrous consequences, both in terms of safety and finances. It's an essential protection for you and for our teams. Make your request online or by phone at least 3 business days before the work begins.

Know your limits: The certificate of location

Where does your property end and your neighbor's begin? To avoid conflicts and ensure the fence is on your property (or exactly on the property line if agreed upon), consult your certificate of location. This document, prepared by a land surveyor, defines the legal boundaries of your land.

A stop at city hall: The municipal permit

Most municipalities require a permit for fence installation. The urban planning department will inform you of the specific rules for your area: maximum authorized height, permitted materials, distance to respect from the street or sidewalk, etc. Take this opportunity to validate your project and obtain your permit before starting.

Step 2: Clearing the work area

Once the paperwork is sorted, it's time to physically prepare the site.

Clearly mark the layout

To visualize the exact location of your future fence, plant stakes at the corners and ends, then run a string between them. This simple guideline is extremely useful for you and for our installation team.

Clear the path along the line

Along this line, remove anything that could hinder the installation:

• Remains of an old fence (posts, concrete, lattice)
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• Large rocks, tree stumps, or imposing roots
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• Low-hanging branches that could obstruct the installers
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• Children's toys, garden furniture, or any other movable objects

Provide sufficient workspace for our machinery

Our installers need clear and safe access. Our machinery requires a passage width of 42 inches. To allow our teams to maneuver effectively and without risk, we recommend providing a clear access path with a total width of 5 feet (60 inches). If plants or shrubs are in this area, consider trimming them or, if possible, temporarily moving them.

Step 3: Managing leveling and slopes

Your land doesn't need to be perfectly flat like a billiard table. Our professional teams are used to dealing with slopes and can adjust the installation for a harmonious result.

However, if your land has significant bumps or dips right on the future fence line, it is recommended to flatten them. A simple backfill with soil can be enough to correct minor imperfections and ensure more uniform spacing under the fence. For major leveling work, it may be wise to consult a landscaper.

Step 4: Communicating with your neighbors

A friendly chat with your neighbors to inform them of your project is always a good idea, especially if the fence will be installed near or on the property line. Warning them about the upcoming work is a sign of respect that helps maintain good neighborly relations.

Is your land ready? Perfect!

By following these steps, you're not just making our installers' job easier: you're becoming a key partner in the success and durability of your project. Good preparation on your part is the first step to a flawless installation on ours.

Is your land ready and you want to proceed with the installation? Contact us today for a free quote for your fence project.