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Month: November 2025

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Podcast

Holiday Decorating Ideas for Your Fence

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Holiday Decorating Ideas for Your Fence

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. As the year winds down, one of the most fun parts of being a homeowner here in Pinellas is getting ready for the holidays. While most people focus on their roofline, front doors, and windows, I want to talk about a surface you might be overlooking: your fence! Your fence runs right along the edge of your property, making it a massive canvas for holiday cheer that instantly boosts your curb appeal and makes your home look festive. Let’s look at some simple, smart, and safe ways to turn your fence into a holiday masterpiece.

The number one way to decorate a fence for the holidays is with lighting. String lights are a simple, classic choice that works on any fence type—wood, vinyl, or aluminum. When using them, focus on following the clean lines of your fence: drape them along the top rail or string them horizontally across the length of the fence panels. For a truly magical look, consider using net lights, which are designed to cover large, flat areas quickly and uniformly. You can easily spread net lights over a solid vinyl or wood fence to create a shimmering background. Just remember to use outdoor-rated lights and keep the cords tucked away neatly to avoid tripping hazards.

Next up, we love garlands and wreaths. Fences are perfect for natural-looking greenery. Wrap a thick, pre-lit evergreen garland along the top rail of your fence. The greenery provides texture and color during the day, and the embedded lights shine brightly at night. You can also hang individual wreaths on every few fence posts or on the center of each large panel. Use weather-resistant zip ties or soft wire to secure the wreaths and garlands, making sure not to puncture or damage your fence material. For vinyl and aluminum fences, use adhesive hooks that are rated for outdoor use and clean the surface first for a secure hold.

For a more whimsical or fun look, try adding oversized fence accents. Depending on the holiday, this could include large, colorful outdoor bows tied to fence posts, or maybe oversized wooden cutouts painted to look like ornaments, snowmen, or candy canes. These elements are great for full privacy fences as they add height and dimension. If you have an aluminum or picket fence, you can thread large, colorful outdoor ribbons through the vertical pickets for a candy-stripe effect that’s simple yet festive.

If you have an ornamental aluminum or picket fence, you can create a beautiful effect by spotlighting. Place landscape spotlights or floodlights at the base of your fence, pointing upward. If your fence is decorated with garlands or bows, the light will cast shadows and highlight the decorations, creating a dramatic, professional holiday look. This is a great, low-maintenance solution for a sophisticated holiday display.

No matter what you choose, keep safety and material protection in mind. Avoid using nails or staples on your fence, especially wood, as this creates entry points for moisture and rot. Always use plastic clips, zip ties, or soft wire to attach decorations. Finally, ensure all electrical connections are kept high off the ground, tucked into waterproof boxes, and plugged into GFI-protected outdoor outlets, which is a must here in Florida with our sudden rain showers.

Your fence is an integral part of your home’s curb appeal. Take advantage of its size and visibility this holiday season to share some cheer with the neighborhood!

Until next time, this is D.J. Marcussen, your friendly fence guy, reminding you that a solid fence leads to solid peace of mind!

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Podcast

How to Build a Garden Fence That Keeps Critters Out

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How to Build a Garden Fence That Keeps Critters Out

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as watching your Florida garden flourish, but there’s nothing quite as frustrating as stepping outside only to find that neighborhood critters—be they rabbits, raccoons, or deer—have enjoyed your hard work before you could. Here in Pinellas, securing your garden against hungry wildlife requires a strategic approach, because a simple picket fence usually won’t cut it. Let’s talk about how to build a garden fence that’s a beautiful addition to your yard and a fortress against unwanted guests.

The first step is understanding your main target. Different animals require different fencing tactics. Are you dealing with small burrowing animals like rabbits or gophers? Your defense needs to focus on the ground. Is it larger animals like deer? Then height is your main concern. Most homeowners here deal with a combination, which means you need a multi-layered defense.

For most gardens, we recommend starting with a wire mesh or hardware cloth fence. This material provides small openings that prevent even small pests from squeezing through, and it’s durable against our weather. The mesh should be attached securely to robust posts, which can be wood, vinyl, or metal T-posts, depending on the look you want.

Now for the crucial part: stopping the diggers. Animals like rabbits, raccoons, and armadillos are notorious for simply digging right under a fence. To beat them at their own game, you need to extend your barrier beneath the soil line. We recommend the “L-footer” method. This involves burying the bottom 6 to 12 inches of your wire mesh fence, then bending the bottom edge outwards and laying it flat on the ground away from the garden before covering it with soil. When a critter tries to dig next to the fence, they run into the buried wire mesh layer, which immediately discourages them. This small detail is incredibly effective at creating an escape-proof perimeter.

Deer can certainly wander into more residential areas than you might think. So if they’re your problem, then your focus must shift to height. Deer can easily jump over standard four-foot fences. To reliably deter them, your garden fence should be at least six feet tall, and often seven or eight feet is recommended. For a more subtle look, you can use a tall, dark-colored wire mesh or even thin wire fencing that is less visible but effective at deterring jumps.

Beyond height and depth, fence tension and stability are essential. A flimsy fence can be pushed over or climbed. Ensure your posts are set firmly and the mesh or panels are taut. The bottom line of the fence should be as close to the ground as possible to prevent small animals from crawling under.

Finally, consider the gate. Your gate is the weak point in any perimeter. It must be strong, easy for you to use, and self-closing, with a latch that resists tampering from clever hands—or paws. Ensure the gate seals tightly at the bottom and sides when closed, leaving no gaps for small critters to exploit.

Building a secure garden fence takes a little more effort than a standard fence, but the reward is a protected harvest and a beautiful, thriving garden. We can help you integrate these protective measures into a fence design that perfectly matches your home’s aesthetic here in Pinellas. Just give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help you out.

Until next time, this is D.J. Marcussen, your friendly fence guy, reminding you that a solid fence leads to solid peace of mind!

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Podcast

Seasonal Fence Maintenance Checklist for Fall in Pinellas, Florida

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Seasonal Fence Maintenance Checklist for Fall in Pinellas, Florida

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. It’s that time of year when the intense heat of the Pinellas summer starts to ease up, and we get into those beautiful, slightly cooler Florida fall days. For homeowners, fall is the perfect time to switch gears from storm prep to routine maintenance. After battling the high humidity, heavy rains, and relentless sun all summer, your fence needs a little TLC to ensure it stays strong through the upcoming “cooler” months and is ready for the next storm season. So, grab your gloves, and let’s go over your essential Fall Fence Maintenance Checklist.

The first item on your list should be a thorough post-summer inspection. Walk the entire perimeter of your fence line and look closely for signs of wear caused by summer storms. Check for loose boards, wobbly posts, or split rails. Pay special attention to your fence gates. Are the hinges tight? Does the latch catch securely? High winds can strain connections, and sun can warp materials, causing things to shift. Tightening a few screws now can prevent a major gate failure later. For wooden fences, tap the base of your posts to check for any soft spots that might indicate developing rot, which is accelerated by summer humidity.

Next, you need to tackle cleaning and moisture control. The summer humidity here in Florida is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you notice any green, black, or fuzzy growth on your fence, fall is the best time to clean it off. Use a mild bleach solution or a dedicated fence cleaner with a soft brush and rinse well. This prevents the mold from eating into the material, especially wood. If you have a wood fence, and it’s been a few years since your last treatment, fall is an excellent time to reseal or restain it. Applying a high-quality sealant now will help the wood repel the increased moisture from any winter rains and protect it from the low-angle, intense sunlight we get during the winter months.

It’s also crucial to focus on clearing the fence line. Our abundant Florida vegetation grows fast during the summer. Trim back any shrubs, bushes, or vines that have crept up against the fence panels. Remember, plants trap moisture and block airflow. That keeps your fence damp and encourages rot and pests. By clearing the fence line, you ensure the fence can dry completely after rain, which significantly increases its lifespan. While you’re at it, check the ground. If you have leaves or yard debris piled up against the fence base, rake them away. Decaying organic matter holds moisture and can speed up ground-level damage.

Finally, deal with any issues related to ground stability. After a summer of heavy rains, the soil around your posts may have settled or shifted. If you notice small holes or gaps where the soil has sunken around a post, backfill those areas with soil or gravel to stabilize the post footing. Ensuring your posts are firmly anchored is your best defense against the next round of strong winds we’ll inevitably face. Also, if you have any low spots in your yard that tend to pool water near the fence, fall is a great time to implement a small drainage solution to protect the base of the fence from constant moisture exposure.

Taking an hour or two this fall to perform these maintenance tasks will pay huge dividends, protecting your fence from Florida’s challenges and ensuring it remains a beautiful, functional barrier for your Pinellas home.

Until next time, this is D.J. Marcussen, your friendly fence guy, reminding you that a solid fence leads to solid peace of mind!

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Podcast

How Much Does a New Fence Cost? (And Why)

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Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. It’s the million-dollar question (or at least, the few-thousand-dollar question) that’s on everyone’s mind when they call us here in Pinellas and that’s: “How much is a new fence going to cost me?” It’s a completely fair question, but answering it isn’t as simple as giving a single price per foot. The truth is,the cost of a new fence depends on several key factors, andunderstanding why these factors matter will help you budget accurately and make the best decision for your property.

The single largest factor in the cost of a new fence is the material you choose.

• Wood Fencing: Generally, wood is the most affordable option for initial installation. A pressure-treated pine fence offers a great blend of price and functionality. However, remember this cost is just the beginning. You need to factor in the long-term cost of sealants, stains, and potential repairs due to rot or pests here in Florida.

• Aluminum Fencing: Aluminum typically comes in the highest but that there are many factors. A few are based on height, color and if you’re looking at a residential or commercial application. It costs more than wood upfront but is a fantastic value because it’s virtually maintenance-free, rust-free, and incredibly durable. The cost can vary based on the grade of aluminum and any decorative elements you choose.

• Vinyl Fencing: Vinyl often falls in the middle for pricing per linear foot. You’re buying decades of durability and almost zero maintenance. When you look at the total cost of ownership over 20 years, vinyl is the most cost-effective solution because you eliminate the time and money spent on ongoing upkeep.

Beyond the material, the style, height, and complexity of the design play a huge role. A simple four-foot-tall, three-rail aluminum fence costs significantly less than an eight-foot-tall, solid board privacy fence. Why? The taller the fence, the more material is required per linear foot, and the deeper and more complex the post footings need to be to handle the increased wind load here in Florida. Custom features, such as decorative post caps, lattice tops, custom color matching, or specific staining, will also increase the material and labor costs.

The third major component of the price is labor and site conditions. Our experienced crews ensure a long-lasting, code-compliant installation, and that expertise is built into the cost. Labor costs can increase based on your yard’s complexity. For example, installing a fence on a steep slope, through dense roots, or in a tight, difficult-to-access area takes more time and specialized effort than installing a fence on a flat, open lawn. The number and type of gates you need also impact the price, as gates require extra materials, hardware, and precise labor to ensure they operate correctly and latch securely.

Finally, you have to include permits and preparation. As we’ve discussed before, here in Pinellas and surrounding counties, permits are mandatory for most fence installations. While we handle the legwork, the fees for these permits are factored into your total project cost. We also include the cost of utility locating services, which is non-negotiable for safety.

Ultimately, getting an accurate cost for your new fence starts with a free, on-site quote. We can assess your specific yard conditions, measure accurately, discuss your needs for privacy and style, and give you a detailed, all-inclusive quote. This ensures there are no surprises and that you get the most value and longevity out of your investment.

Until next time, this is D.J. Marcussen, your friendly neighborhood fence guy, reminding you that a solid fence leads to solid peace of mind!

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