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Lattice should not touch the ground, as it creates a possibility for rot and a termite infestation. It’s best to leave a gap of 3 or 4 inches at the bottom for airflow and to keep the wood dry. You can add stones, bricks, or other decorative pieces to conceal the bottom of the lattice if desired.

Ideally, when you replace a fence post, you should also replace the concrete footing. The concrete bonds to your new post, creating a secure base. If you install a new post into old concrete, it won’t be as sturdy.

That said, it is possible. Sometimes the post will lift right out of the concrete. If not, you can use a high-lift car jack to try and lift the pole out of the footing. Put the new post into the same hole and backfill it with fast-setting concrete. Keep in mind, this won’t work well for metal posts.

Who pays for a new fence between neighbors depends on its location relative to the property line. If you build the fence entirely on your property, you are solely responsible for the costs of installation, maintenance, and repair. If the fence is built directly on the property line, both neighbors are typically responsible for the costs. In this case, it is essential to consult with your neighbor beforehand to agree on a plan for payment. While you should always inform your neighbor of your plans in advance, you generally cannot force them to contribute financially unless there are specific local laws, such as in California, where both parties might be responsible for costs unless a different agreement exists. It's a good idea to get a property line survey to know the exact boundaries before building.

Installing a picket fence includes measuring and marking the area where you plan to build the fence, laying out all of the materials, digging post holes, setting the posts using concrete, measuring the rails, attaching the rails, attaching the pickets, and then painting or staining the fence if you chose a wooden fence material.