That old fence is leaning, rotting, and honestly kind of an eyesore. Whether you're replacing it or just want it gone, you've got a decision to make: do it yourself or hire someone?

Let's break it down honestly.

What Fence Removal Actually Involves

People tend to underestimate fence removal. It looks simple—just pull it down, right? Not quite.

Here's what's involved:

1. Remove pickets or panels — Pry them off or unscrew them from the rails 2. Take down rails — These are nailed or screwed to posts 3. Pull posts — This is where the fun stops. Posts are typically set 2-3 feet deep in concrete 4. Remove concrete footings — Each one weighs 50-100+ pounds 5. Fill holes — Unless you want ankle-breaker traps in your yard 6. Haul everything away — A 100-foot fence produces a surprising amount of debris

That post removal step is the dealbreaker for most people. Digging out concrete footings by hand is brutal work, especially in Boise's clay-heavy soil.

The DIY Approach

What you'll need:

Reciprocating saw or pry bar
Shovel and post hole digger
Truck or trailer for hauling
A friend (or two) who owes you a favor

Estimated costs:

Tool rental (if needed): $50-$100
Dump fees: $50-$150
Pizza and drinks for helpers: $40
Total: $150-$300

Time required: 1-2 days for a standard 100-150 foot residential fence

The catch: You need a truck, physical stamina, and the ability to dig out concrete footings without throwing out your back. Boise summers make this even more taxing—fence removal in July heat is no joke.

Hiring a Professional

What you get:

Crew shows up, tears it down, hauls it away
Posts and concrete extracted with equipment
Holes filled and area graded
Usually done in a few hours

Cost for a typical residential fence in Boise:

Wood privacy fence (100-150 ft): $500-$1,000
Chain link fence: $400-$800
Larger or complex fencing: $1,000-$2,000

Time required from you: Zero. Point at the fence, confirm what you want removed, and go inside.

When DIY Makes Sense

Honestly? DIY fence removal works best when:

The fence is short (under 50 feet)

Posts aren't set in concrete (some older fences used dirt-only)

You have a truck and disposal plan

You enjoy physical outdoor work

You have a full weekend to commit

When to Call a Pro

Professional fence removal makes more sense when:

The fence is long (100+ feet)

Posts are set in concrete (most are)

You don't have hauling capabilities

Time is limited

You're replacing the fence and want a clean start

The fence is on a property line and you need careful removal

What About the Property Line?

Speaking of property lines—know where yours is before touching any fence. In Boise and the Treasure Valley, fence disputes are common.

If you're not 100% sure the fence is on your property, get a survey. It's cheaper than a legal dispute with your neighbor.

Also worth mentioning: if the fence is shared (sitting directly on the property line), your neighbor technically co-owns it. A quick conversation beforehand avoids problems.

After the Fence Is Gone

Once the old fence is out, you've got options:

New fence: Most fencing companies prefer starting fresh rather than working around old posts

Open yard: Some homeowners decide they like the open feel

Hedge or landscaping: Natural boundaries are growing in popularity

If you're installing a new fence right away, coordinate removal and installation timing. No sense in leaving the yard exposed longer than needed.

Get a Free Quote

Not sure which route to take? Call (208) 593-2877 or request a fence removal estimate. We'll give you a straight answer on what it'll cost.

Fence Removal in Boise: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro