How Much Does Silt Fence Installation Cost? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $415 - $2,075

Silt fence installation costs between $415 and $2,075, with most homeowners paying $835. A pro’s quote will mainly depend on the size of the fence.

How we get this data
Silt Fence fabric with wooden posts
Photo: TW Farlow / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Silt Fence fabric with wooden posts
Photo: TW Farlow / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
  • The average cost to install a silt fence ranges from $2 to $8 per linear foot

  • If you live in a rainy region that is prone to muddy conditions, choose a heavy-duty, wire-backed fence. 

  • Trenching takes 3x as long to install a silt fence using the static slicing method, which will cost more. 

  • A pro’s quote will usually include the cost to remove the silt fence at the end of the project.

The average silt fence installation cost is $835, which is $5 per linear foot. Costs range from $2 to $8 per linear foot, depending on the type of material and installation process. Given that silt fencing is ripped down at the end of a new build home project, it might seem like an unnecessary expense. However, this legal necessity and environmental protection measure is typically rolled into your contractor costs to build a new home.

Types

Silt fences vary in quality. If your build site won’t see much rain, is pretty clean, and construction is quick, you might be able to opt for a simpler, less durable plastic-backed silt fence. Heavier-duty, wide, wire-backed fence construction is a better investment for muddy sites in rainy regions with a long build time. Your contractor should advise you on what is best for your site.

Silt Fence TypeConstructionAverage Installation Cost
Type AMedium durability$3–$6 per linear foot
Type BLow durability$2–$4 per linear foot
Type CHigh durability$5–$8 per linear foot

Size

The size of your building lot affects silt fence installation costs. If you're designing a grand multi-bedroom family home with sizable grounds, you’ll need much more fencing than a compact one-bedroom tiny house. The average U.S. home sits on a lot that’s around 1/5 acre. 

Below are some common lot sizes and average cost ranges.

Lot SizePerimeter LengthAverage Cost
1/5 acre167 linear feet$334–$1,336
1/4 acre208 linear feet$416–$1,664
1/2 acre415 linear feet$830–$3,320
1 acre835 linear feet$1,670–$6,680
3 standard silt fence types compared, with type A and type C both being 36 inches wide, and type B being 22 inches wide

Installation Method

Traditional silt fence trench installation involves digging a trench to bury the fabric and stakes into the ground sufficiently. A modern static slicing method, which uses a blade to cut into the soil, is becoming more common as the process  inserts the fencing at the same time. Trenching requires almost triple the time it takes to install a silt fence using the static slicing method, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This means trenching will invariably cost more.

Always ask your contractor what method they use and why. It will allow you to understand if  reducing costs is an option.

Silt Fence Ongoing Expenses

Silt Fence in construction
Photo: Douglas / Adobe Stock

To avoid pricing surprises, know that additional silt fencing costs can come up due to maintenance and removal, even after the initial installation.

Maintenance

Contractors need to inspect silt fences throughout the construction project. These temporary structures are only designed to last five to eight months, tops. They can easily get torn or sag, especially during downpours and other inclement weather. If the damage is minimal, you can repair by restaking or replacing the posts or removing silt buildup. Occasionally, the fabric may be ripped beyond repair, requiring replacement of some or all of the silt fencing.

Always ask your contractor whether they cover silt fence repairs or replacements as part of the project costs to plan your budget accordingly.

Removal and Disposal

A contractor’s quote usually includes the cost of removing and disposing of silt fencing at the end of the project. You should still check this to avoid having to remove the silt fence yourself or pay an unexpected bill. 

DIY Silt Fence Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Unless you're a construction whiz, this isn't a temporary DIY fence idea to tackle yourself. It's a job best left to a general contractor or a specialty fence company near you.

While you can save money by installing a silt fence yourself, going the DIY route can make the project susceptible to damage and expensive mistakes. Improper installation means the fencing won’t prevent erosion effectively, or excessive amounts of sediment can enter the water system. You need specialty equipment for digging or slicing a trench and solid knowledge of complex silt fence installation regulations. Plus, you could damage the environment with contaminated stormwater runoff, anger your neighbors if your project is extra muddy, and end up with a hefty fine from the government department building inspectors for getting things wrong.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of the porous fence fabric prevents sediments from the building site from entering waterways as runoff. This reduces problems with soil erosion and flooding, which can negatively impact local water quality. It also keeps the adjoining streets from turning into a muddy mess.

Silt fences are legally required for home construction projects in many states. Your building contractor will be familiar with the local regulations. If you are installing the fence yourself, contact your local government building department to check. Skipping this step to cut costs can end up with a fine.

Silt fences should be trenched 8 to 12 inches deep to prevent sediment-filled water from escaping underneath. It also helps to anchor the fence during wet, windy weather. The silt fence fabric often has a red line to indicate the depth for digging. A good contractor will be familiar with the guidelines and regulations.

Silt fences are very effective when installed correctly and used in proper locations. However, there are places where they don’t work as well. This includes property with a concentrated water flow, where runoff could pool or cause a flooding hazard. You’ll also want to use caution when installing in areas susceptible to landslides. Your contractor will follow state guidelines and know when an alternate solution is more effective.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to fencing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Mom and daughter planting herb plants in a backyard
Jun 18, 2025
Jun 18, 2025
Shadowbox fencing can boost your home’s appearance and privacy. Use this guide to learn how much it costs to install a shadowbox fence based on factors like material, length, and height.
a light wood privacy fence surrounds a private yard with plants, bushes, a bench, and gravel
Jun 4, 2025
Jun 4, 2025
How much a privacy fence costs depends on several factors, including the size of the fence and the material used. Our cost guide breaks down these and other factors.
House with wrought iron fence
May 26, 2025
May 26, 2025
Wrought iron fences offer a classic look and decent security. Use this wrought iron fence cost guide to see what it would cost to install on on your property.
White fence in front yard
Jun 24, 2025
Jun 24, 2025
Discover gate hinge types for every need—T hinges, barrel hinges, butt hinges, and more—and learn how to choose the best hinge for your project.
Paperboy throwing newspaper in a house with white fence
Jun 29, 2025
Jun 29, 2025
Wondering how to hire a fence contractor who will do the perfect job? Use our tips to figure out which questions to ask contractors before you hire one.
wood fence around house
Jun 17, 2025
Jun 17, 2025
Fence removal costs are highly variable, depending mainly on the size and type of fence. Read on and learn why labor will always be your biggest spend.