Problem:
We have been in business since 2009. Never once have we received a complaint about fence damage.
However, up until recently we have encountered some questionable remarks on fence damage due to using a weed whacker or string trimmer. While researching online, I found a variety of information. It's a long two-sided debate! We have customers that request we clean and weed whack along side the fence panels, which we do gladly as it looks great! Unfortunately as we are aging with the fences, we have discovered that PVC/Vinyl fencing isn't as durable as we were all told. In many hot states, the sun over time will wear down the fencing, causing it to turn brittle. Therefor making it easier to damage, due to using a trimmer or even a rock being flung from the trimmer and even a lawn mower.
Of course, we are careful when using the trimmer and slow down the speed along with flipping it around to reach those hard corners, but again overtime wear and tear will occur. There are other weed whackers/ string trimmers out there, but as reviewed online, they are very weak and extremely slow, which is obviously not very time efficient! They are more homeowner style trimmers "NOT" for commercial use.
However, up until recently we have encountered some questionable remarks on fence damage due to using a weed whacker or string trimmer. While researching online, I found a variety of information. It's a long two-sided debate! We have customers that request we clean and weed whack along side the fence panels, which we do gladly as it looks great! Unfortunately as we are aging with the fences, we have discovered that PVC/Vinyl fencing isn't as durable as we were all told. In many hot states, the sun over time will wear down the fencing, causing it to turn brittle. Therefor making it easier to damage, due to using a trimmer or even a rock being flung from the trimmer and even a lawn mower.
Of course, we are careful when using the trimmer and slow down the speed along with flipping it around to reach those hard corners, but again overtime wear and tear will occur. There are other weed whackers/ string trimmers out there, but as reviewed online, they are very weak and extremely slow, which is obviously not very time efficient! They are more homeowner style trimmers "NOT" for commercial use.
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Solution:
If we do cause damage we will offer to repair it but not replace the panels. We want to emphasize that we take pride in our work and care for all of our customers, but unfortunately wear and tear is common. The pictures below give a few examples of how to protect your fence, to avoid damage. There are post covers as well. Not the prettiest but it helps. Other options are; you could use shear trimmers to cut the grass or/and spray weed killer to keep the fence clear of grass growth.
Weed Eaters And Vinyl Fences- Amko Fence New Orleans (amkofencecompany.com)
"A string trimmer has the potential of destroying your vinyl fence. Your fence should be at least 3 inches above the ground. In that case, you be able to trim the area carefully without worrying that the weed trimmer damages it. In general, try to avoid using those kind of trimmers around vinyl fences. Applying Roundup to the area under your fence might be a better option. There are also organic alternatives. For instance, 20% vinegar should kill off a nice neat & tidy 12″ or 18″ wide strip of the lawn underneath your fence. Another option, use some good old shears to do the posts. Just remember to use a cordless shear for those small jobs."
Weed Eaters And Vinyl Fences- Amko Fence New Orleans (amkofencecompany.com)
"A string trimmer has the potential of destroying your vinyl fence. Your fence should be at least 3 inches above the ground. In that case, you be able to trim the area carefully without worrying that the weed trimmer damages it. In general, try to avoid using those kind of trimmers around vinyl fences. Applying Roundup to the area under your fence might be a better option. There are also organic alternatives. For instance, 20% vinegar should kill off a nice neat & tidy 12″ or 18″ wide strip of the lawn underneath your fence. Another option, use some good old shears to do the posts. Just remember to use a cordless shear for those small jobs."
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Our Decision:
For all fenced properties: "We will NOT weed whack along side the fences due to possible damages. No matter how careful we are, damages may occur. Solutions will be presented to you, the customer, to keep the area clean. If you do decide that you still want us to weed whack along the fence, we will NOT be responsible for any possible damages."
NOTE: For Safety: Mower Operator runs the machine 12" away from the fence. There are also situations where there are solar lights or plants/bushes, near/along side the fence.
NOTE: For Safety: Mower Operator runs the machine 12" away from the fence. There are also situations where there are solar lights or plants/bushes, near/along side the fence.
Comment Source: Reddit
Captwizzbang•
Depending on age and UV damage vinyl fences become very brittle. I am a contractor in Texas where the sun is very strong and kills pvc quickly. I talk my clients out of installing them regularly for that reason. Not saying you shouldn’t fire them just putting out an argument for them 💁🏼♂️
ZippyTheChicken•
the HOA that I live in has common area grass near many homes with fences.. if you have a fence bordering common area they won't trim closer than a foot to your fence even if you build on the line because they don't want to get involved with this situation.
You are going to probably cause damage when you are using a weed wacker or even a mower around things in the yard and it might be expected to happen.. the torque of the equipment when you are getting close can pull it into the fence.
should they fix it? Well if they can glue on the piece that came off I guess that might not be a bad thing... but I don't think they are going to pay $300 for a full piece of fence because they chipped out a half inch of plastic at the bottom.
They do make hand sheers for trimming grass near this stuff and I have used them as a kid .. also they make lightweight trimmers that don't have the power to tare into a fence.. but they are too slow for commercial lawncare people.
so .. you know ... it sucks...
your option is to get a battery operated trimmer with thin line and do that area yourself and let them do the rest.
thatgreenmaid•
They are whatever comes after sh**** with a whole side of shady as heck.Unless your fence is already janky (and you KNOW if it is), then no it's not part of any kind of wear and tear to ripping out a chunk of it with a weed whacker and you should do what you gotta do to get satisfaction.
Granted---that satisfaction might only be in online reviews with photos on every platform they're listed.and yes, you should fire them.
camonly•
My vinyl is 3 years old and using my 4 stroke trimmer and medium strength line I get blowouts on the lower panels. I hate vinyl fencing.
puckmonky•
I say you should always feel comfortable firing any contractors for any reason. This includes “I just don’t like them”. They work for you. Period. You just have to weigh it against the opportunity cost of having to find a replacement.
micron429•
I know I am late to the game but, as someone who mows lawns daily (mow around 65 lawns ) and owns vinyl fence myself. I will tell you that fence is junk and very brittle over time. I try to be extremely careful when mowing because of issues like this. I will also say some stuff is just unavoidable. You have a thick plastic cord flying around at what seems like 1,000 miles per hour. Already recipe for disaster. My point is even if you were doing it yourself chances are you would end up doing the exact same thing yourself. That fence gets very brittle over time and it’s just hard to avoid. I understand your frustration. A window is one thing but that fence just will not last over time no matter what
marjerkin•
Simple. Fire him and get a new lawn guy. It's not "wear and tear" if it fell off after being hit. It's wear and tear if it fell on its own. If he doesn't fix it, he's gone.
Depending on age and UV damage vinyl fences become very brittle. I am a contractor in Texas where the sun is very strong and kills pvc quickly. I talk my clients out of installing them regularly for that reason. Not saying you shouldn’t fire them just putting out an argument for them 💁🏼♂️
ZippyTheChicken•
the HOA that I live in has common area grass near many homes with fences.. if you have a fence bordering common area they won't trim closer than a foot to your fence even if you build on the line because they don't want to get involved with this situation.
You are going to probably cause damage when you are using a weed wacker or even a mower around things in the yard and it might be expected to happen.. the torque of the equipment when you are getting close can pull it into the fence.
should they fix it? Well if they can glue on the piece that came off I guess that might not be a bad thing... but I don't think they are going to pay $300 for a full piece of fence because they chipped out a half inch of plastic at the bottom.
They do make hand sheers for trimming grass near this stuff and I have used them as a kid .. also they make lightweight trimmers that don't have the power to tare into a fence.. but they are too slow for commercial lawncare people.
so .. you know ... it sucks...
your option is to get a battery operated trimmer with thin line and do that area yourself and let them do the rest.
thatgreenmaid•
They are whatever comes after sh**** with a whole side of shady as heck.Unless your fence is already janky (and you KNOW if it is), then no it's not part of any kind of wear and tear to ripping out a chunk of it with a weed whacker and you should do what you gotta do to get satisfaction.
Granted---that satisfaction might only be in online reviews with photos on every platform they're listed.and yes, you should fire them.
camonly•
My vinyl is 3 years old and using my 4 stroke trimmer and medium strength line I get blowouts on the lower panels. I hate vinyl fencing.
puckmonky•
I say you should always feel comfortable firing any contractors for any reason. This includes “I just don’t like them”. They work for you. Period. You just have to weigh it against the opportunity cost of having to find a replacement.
micron429•
I know I am late to the game but, as someone who mows lawns daily (mow around 65 lawns ) and owns vinyl fence myself. I will tell you that fence is junk and very brittle over time. I try to be extremely careful when mowing because of issues like this. I will also say some stuff is just unavoidable. You have a thick plastic cord flying around at what seems like 1,000 miles per hour. Already recipe for disaster. My point is even if you were doing it yourself chances are you would end up doing the exact same thing yourself. That fence gets very brittle over time and it’s just hard to avoid. I understand your frustration. A window is one thing but that fence just will not last over time no matter what
marjerkin•
Simple. Fire him and get a new lawn guy. It's not "wear and tear" if it fell off after being hit. It's wear and tear if it fell on its own. If he doesn't fix it, he's gone.
Wooden Fence as an Example:
Additional Info:
What kind of PVC/Vinyl do you have? How old is your fence?
Now we need to ask Questions!