“I’ll Deal With It Next Year” list…Start with the Fence!
It’s that strange week after Christmas and before the New Year. The decorations are still up, the calendar is quiet, and everyone is mentally saying, “I’ll deal with it next year.”
For a lot of homeowners, the fence is on that list.
Before the year officially turns over, this is actually the best time to take a look — not to start a big project, but to notice what winter is already showing you.
Here’s what to check while things are still slow.
1. Did Anything Shift When the Ground Froze?
Freezing temperatures cause soil to move, and fences feel it first. A post that wasn’t leaning in October might be slightly off now.
Why it matters right now:
Small shifts are easier to fix before deeper winter and spring thaw make them worse.
2. Are Gates Opening the Same Way They Did Last Month?
If a gate drags, sticks, or won’t latch smoothly, alignment has already changed.
Why it matters right now:
Cold weather exposes stress points early — before hinges or posts fail.
3. Are There New Cracks or Splits in the Wood?
Moisture freezes, expands, and leaves clues behind. Tiny cracks now can turn into bigger problems by spring.
Why it matters right now:
Sealing or addressing damage during this downtime saves repairs later.
4. Did Any Old Repairs Show Their Age?
That quick fix from last year? Winter has a way of testing honesty.
Why it matters right now:
Temporary solutions rarely survive multiple seasons.
5. Do You Want to Be Planning — or Panicking — in Spring?
Once spring hits, schedules fill fast. The people who plan now get options. The ones who wait get timelines.
Why it matters right now:
This is the calm before the busy season.
Before the Calendar Changes
You don’t need to fix everything this week. Just notice. Make a plan. Decide what “next year” actually looks like.
Because the best fence projects don’t start in spring — they start with paying attention now.
Western Fence
Built for seasons. Planned with intention.
