Picture this: You’ve spent weeks planning the perfect fence. You’ve chosen the right materials, picked a trusted installer, and imagined the final result framing your yard. But within a few months, your brand-new fence starts leaning, shifting, or worse—collapsing. Why?
The ground wasn’t properly prepared before installation.
This single, overlooked step is the difference between a fence that stands strong for decades and one that turns into a costly mistake. At Heartwood Fence, we’ve built our reputation on getting the groundwork right—literally.
Let’s break down why ground preparation isn’t optional—it’s essential and why you should only trust a fencing company that takes it as seriously as we do.
A fence is only as strong as the ground it stands on. Poor preparation leads to:
❌ Leaning & Instability – Weak soil shifts over time, causing fence posts to tilt or sink.
❌ Water Damage & Rot – Without proper grading and drainage, water pools around posts, leading to rot and deterioration.
❌ Frost Heave – In colder areas like Virginia, ground freezes and expands, pushing posts out of alignment.
❌ Shortened Lifespan – Even the best materials can’t compensate for weak footing. A poorly installed fence won’t last.
A fence is an investment—one that should enhance your property’s security and curb appeal for decades, not just a few years. That’s why ground preparation is non-negotiable.
At Heartwood Fence, we don’t take shortcuts. Here’s how we ensure your fence has a rock-solid foundation:
Before we break ground, we assess your soil type. Sandy, loamy, or clay-heavy soils all require different prep methods. We also remove debris, roots, and old posts that could affect stability.
✅ Why it matters: A clean slate ensures even footing and prevents shifting.
We dig post holes deep enough to prevent frost heave—typically 24 to 36 inches deep in Virginia. This prevents the ground from expanding and pushing posts upward during winter freezes.
✅ Why it matters: A deeper post means a stronger, longer-lasting fence.
Uneven terrain? No problem. We level and grade the ground to ensure proper water runoff, preventing puddles that cause post rot, warping, or shifting.
✅ Why it matters: Keeps your fence dry, stable, and rot-free.
Before setting posts, we compact the soil to prevent sinking or erosion. Loose soil around fence posts is a recipe for disaster.
✅ Why it matters: Ensures firm footing that won’t shift over time.
Heartwood Fence never sets posts in plain soil. We use high-strength concrete, poured and cured properly for maximum stability.
✅ Why it matters: Concrete anchors your fence against wind, rain, and soil shifts.
Many fencing companies rush installations to save time. They may dig shallow holes, skip compacting, or worse—set posts directly in dirt without concrete. The result? A fence that fails prematurely, costing you thousands in repairs or replacements.
At Heartwood Fence, we refuse to cut corners. When you hire us, you’re choosing a company that believes quality craftsmanship starts from the ground up.
Some homeowners think DIY ground prep will save money, but the risks outweigh the rewards.
🚫 Incorrect post depth – Leads to leaning fences.
🚫 Improper soil compaction – Causes uneven sinking.
🚫 Missed underground utilities – Risking costly damages or even injury.
🚫 No proper grading – Leads to poor drainage and premature rot.
Professional preparation isn’t just about digging holes—it’s about understanding soil composition, climate effects, and long-term stability. That’s why trusting experts like Heartwood Fence ensures your fence is built to last.
✅ Local Expertise – Serving Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Roanoke, Newport News, and Portsmouth with fencing solutions built for the coastal climate.
✅ Precision Groundwork – Our team excels in site preparation, ensuring maximum longevity.
✅ Premium Materials – We use high-quality wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain-link fencing for superior durability.
✅ Veteran & Minority-Owned Business – We take pride in delivering integrity, professionalism, and expertise to every project.
📞 Get a Free Quote Today! Heartwood Fence Fence Installation Services
A fence isn’t just planks and posts—it’s an investment in your home’s security, privacy, and value. And like any investment, cutting corners costs more in the long run.
Your fencing company should absolutely prepare the ground before installation—no exceptions.
If they don’t? Find a company that does.
At Heartwood Fence, we believe every fence should be built to last. That starts beneath the surface, with meticulous ground prep that ensures your fence stands strong for decades.
📞 Call us today at (757) 204-5705 or visit Heartwood Fence Fence Installation Services to schedule your consultation.
