Des Moines Wood Fence Repair Services
Is your fence leaning like it’s had one too many? It’s more than just “character”—it’s a sign of failed posts, rotting rails, or pesky plants pushing from the other side! At Neat & Tidy, we straighten lines, reset posts, rehang gates, and deliver a fence that stands strong against our infamous Des Moines storms.
What’s the Problem?
- Rotting Posts: Weak posts that are crumbling at the base; panels tilting or blown out of place.
- Sagging Gates: Gates that drag or refuse to latch, often due to stripped hinge screws.
- Cracked Rails: Splitting rails, loosening pickets, and nails backing out, leaving your beautiful cedar stained.
- Vegetation Intrusion: Soil piled against boards and invasive plants trying to take over.
- Temporary Fixes: Repairs that are simply wishful thinking with toe-screws and no real support.
How We Repair (Fixing the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms)
- Assess & Mark: We evaluate the line, plumb, soil grade, drainage, and any pesky vegetation pressure, while respecting property-line constraints.
- Reset/Replace Posts: We dig out the failures and set new pressure-treated 4x4 or 4x6 posts in sturdy footings. Our technique includes bell-shaped bases, drainage gravel, and concrete collars at grade (not just a bucket of soup that traps water).
- Rails & Blocking: We replace any cracked rails and add blocking or metal ties (like Simpson-style) where needed for those windy days.
- Pickets & Fasteners: We’ll reuse sound cedar whenever possible and replace the rest with stainless or coated screws (goodbye rusty nails!).
- Gate Rehab: We tackle sagging gates with new posts or sleeve repairs, diagonal braces to stop sag, heavy-duty hinges, proper latches, and drop rods. We even set the gap for winter swell, ensuring it still closes in January!
- Vegetation & Grade: We’ll clear out ivy and blackberry bushes, cut back soil, and ensure wood doesn’t sit in damp mulch, maintaining a finished grade of about 2” below the bottom rails/boards.
- Hardware & Finish: We use corrosion-resistant hardware for a neat, clean look. Staining or sealing is optional but recommended!
Straight talk: If your posts are mushy at grade, “sistering” won’t save them. We’ll replace the post or the lean will return.
What We Work On
- Cedar Fences: Board-on-board, good neighbor, and solid panel fences.
- Farm/Utility Panel Fences: That need real posts and rails for better support.
- Courtyard and Trash/Recycling Gates: Ensuring they function seamlessly.
- Tight-Access Hills and Rockeries: We’re familiar with the unique challenges of Des Moines terrain!
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)
- Fence Line Patrol: We trim vegetation off rails and pickets to keep soil and mulch away from the wood.
- Hardware Check: We tighten hinges and latches, replacing any stripped screws.
- Post Health: We check for wobble and early signs of rot at the base; sealing checks where necessary.
- Gate Tune: Adjusting latches and hinges as seasons cause swell and shrink.
- Clean & Protect: We offer a soft wash and an optional stain/seal schedule.
We’re your low-maintenance landscaping team. Our goal? Fewer problems between visits and less work for you!
Service Cadences (Pick What Fits You Best)
- Quarterly: Spring/fall resets + two tune-ups (perfect for those with ivy and blackberry pressures).
- Bi-Monthly: A great balance for wind-exposed or high-traffic gates.
(Heavy vine pressure or fresh repairs? Start with monthly visits for 60–90 days, then taper off.)
What Annual Maintenance Includes
- Ivy and blackberry cutback along the fence and neighbor edges.
- Hinge and latch tune-ups; new screws where wood is stripped.
- Post inspections and small-footing touch-ups at grade.
- Board and rail replacements where rot shows up.
- Photo updates so you can see those lines stay straight.
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
- Safety: Fewer blowouts and trip hazards keep your property secure.
- Longevity: Keeping wood dry and tightening hardware ensures it outlasts storm season.
- Cleaner Look: Straight lines and snug gates are far superior to piecemeal fixes.
- Lower Cost: Timely small repairs prevent costly full rebuilds.
How It Works
- Free Estimate: We provide photos/video or a quick walkthrough with clear, upfront pricing.
- Plan the Fix: We assess posts, rails, gate hardware, vegetation, and grade.
- Repair Day: We reset, replace, and rehang with a clean-up afterward—no nail-streak mess left behind!
- Follow-Up: We provide care tips, optional stain/seal services, and a maintenance schedule tailored to you.
Why Des Moines Chooses Neat & Tidy
- Local experts who know wind patterns, clay pockets, and those tricky alleys.
- Licensed & insured; we always call 811 before digging near utilities.
- Upfront pricing that includes labor, hardware, hauling, and disposal.
- Punctual, respectful, and clean work (no invasive ivy left behind!).
- Green-first approach—reusing sound boards and minimizing landfill waste.
Ready for a fence that stands straight and shuts right?
Call or text Neat & Tidy for a wood fence repair that lasts—solid posts, crisp lines, and a gate that clicks every time. We’ll keep it tidy—so you can get back to enjoying your space!
