Why Fence Line Clearing Matters
Fencing is one of the most expensive improvements on Texas ranch and rural properties. Quality perimeter fencing can cost $5-$15 per linear foot installed. Yet many property owners watch their fencing slowly disappear into overgrown brush.
Overgrown fence lines are not just ugly—they accelerate fence deterioration, make fence repair impossible, and in extreme cases, fence lines become completely lost in the brush.
Problems with Overgrown Fence Lines
🪵 Accelerated Deterioration
Brush holds moisture against posts, accelerating rot. Vines and brush pull on wire, loosening staples and causing sag.
🔧 Impossible Repairs
When fence lines are overgrown, you cannot even see damage, much less repair it. Small problems become major replacements.
🌳 Tree Damage
Trees growing along fence lines eventually grow around and through wire. Falling limbs break fencing regularly.
📍 Lost Boundaries
Severely overgrown fence lines can become invisible, leading to boundary disputes and adverse possession issues.
Typical overgrown fence line - fencing barely visible through dense brush
How Professional Fence Line Clearing Works
Assessment & Planning
We walk the fence line to assess vegetation density, identify trees grown through the fence, note any existing damage, and determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Clearing From One Side
Our operators typically work from one side of the fence, using the forestry mulcher to clear brush right up to the fence line. Skilled operators can work within inches of the fence without damage.
Tree Removal (If Needed)
Trees growing through the fence require special attention. We cut the tree, temporarily cut the fence wire, remove the trunk, then re-splice the wire to restore fence integrity.
Second Side (If Needed)
For property boundaries where you control both sides, we clear the second side. For shared boundaries, coordination with neighbors may be needed for full clearing.
Fence Line Clearing Costs
| Vegetation Level | Cost Per Foot | 1/4 Mile | 1 Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light brush (grass, small brush) | $1.00-$1.50/ft | $1,320-$2,000 | $5,280-$7,920 |
| Medium brush (cedar, mesquite <6") | $1.50-$2.50/ft | $2,000-$3,300 | $7,920-$13,200 |
| Heavy brush (dense, trees in fence) | $2.50-$4.00/ft | $3,300-$5,280 | $13,200-$21,120 |
Cost-Saving Tip
Combine fence line clearing with pasture or property clearing for significant savings. Equipment mobilization is a fixed cost—adding fence lines to a larger clearing project is typically 30-40% cheaper per foot.
How Wide Should You Clear?
The clearing width you choose affects long-term maintenance needs and costs:
Minimum
Just enough for fence access. Requires frequent maintenance (annually). May still have shading issues.
Recommended
Good access, reduced regrowth, easier maintenance. Maintenance every 3-5 years typical.
Premium
Maximum sun exposure, minimal regrowth, easiest maintenance. May go 5-7+ years between clearing.
Special Fence Line Situations
Trees Grown Through Fencing
When trees have grown around or through fence wire, there are two approaches:
- Save the fence: Cut tree, cut and re-splice wire, grind stump. Best for newer, quality fencing.
- Remove and replace: For old or damaged fencing, it is often more economical to remove the fence, clear everything, and install new fencing.
Shared Property Boundaries
Texas law generally allows you to clear vegetation on your side up to the property line. However, for best results and neighbor relations:
- Communicate with neighbors about your clearing plans
- Consider cost-sharing for clearing both sides
- Be careful with trees that straddle the property line
Maintaining Cleared Fence Lines
After professional clearing, simple maintenance keeps fence lines clear:
Annual Maintenance Tasks
Spring: Walk fence lines and spot-treat any cedar or mesquite seedlings with herbicide before they get established.
Summer: Mow or brush-cut grass and small brush if growing over 3-4 feet tall. Keeps visibility clear.
Fall: Second spot-treatment of any brush regrowth. Dormant season treatment is often most effective.