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There are two things you can do to make a fence replacement easier—but keep in mind that easier doesn’t mean better. First, you can use a jack or some other type of machinery to pull the post out of the ground. If that’s not available, a digging bar can help.

Second, you can backfill the hole with gravel rather than creating a concrete footing. Keep in mind, gravel is less secure. You should only use it if you’re installing a lightweight fence or have heavier, clay soil.

The recommended height for a garden fence depends on its primary purpose. For pest control, the necessary height varies by animal. To keep out small pests like rabbits, a fence should be at least two to three feet tall. If you live in an area with deer, you will need a much taller fence, at least five feet high, to prevent them from jumping over. If the main goal is privacy, the fence should be at least seven feet tall. For purely decorative fences, the height is a matter of personal preference.

Most adult chickens can't fit through the large openings in a hog wire fence. However, young chicks or small breeds of chickens could potentially squeeze through a hog wire fence. To prevent this, consider adding extra reinforcements such as chicken wire fencing, mesh, or hardware cloth.

You can DIY a stockade fence installation, but prepare to put in some good sweat equity. For the best results, carefully plan the exact location of your fence before you break ground. In particular, carefully map out your post locations before setting them in concrete. Be sure to call your local utility company before digging to avoid damaging underground wiring and causing severe injury.

On the other hand, installing stockade fencing on your own might sound too overwhelming. It’s certainly time-consuming and labor-intensive. Besides the hard work, you must install it properly to avoid gaps. Unless you’re confident you can get the job done right, hiring a privacy fence installer near you is the way to go.