Step-by-Step Guide for Easy Fence Removal
Chain link fences are sturdy—but they’re not forever. Whether you’re replacing an old fence, upgrading your backyard, or clearing space for something new, the removal process matters just as much as installation.
Do it wrong, and you could end up with:
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Damaged lawn and roots
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Bent tools
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Twisted metal mesh
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Uneven ground left behind
In this guide, we’ll show you how to safely remove a chain link fence without destroying your yard—even if it’s been buried for decades.
What You’ll Need (Tools Checklist)
Before you start, gather the following tools:
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Work gloves and safety glasses
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Pliers / fencing pliers
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Adjustable wrench
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Socket set or nut driver
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Crowbar or post puller
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Shovel or post hole digger
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Reciprocating saw (optional, for cutting rusted parts)
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Wheelbarrow (for hauling materials)
✅ Optional: Tarp or plastic sheet to lay mesh and avoid grass damage
Step-by-Step Fence Removal Process
Step 1: Remove the Fence Fabric (Chain Link Mesh)
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Locate the tension bar—usually where the mesh ends at a post
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Use pliers to untwist the fence ties that connect mesh to line posts
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Once detached, roll the mesh as you go—like rolling up a carpet
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Store rolled mesh on a tarp to avoid gouging the grass
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t yank the mesh upward—it can tear the sod.
Step 2: Detach Top Rail
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The top rail is usually connected with sleeve joints or brackets
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Use a wrench to loosen nuts/bolts at the terminal and line posts
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Slide each section out or use a saw if rusted tight
👉 Lay rails down on the tarp instead of directly on your lawn.
Step 3: Remove Fence Posts (Without Damaging Soil)
Here’s where most yard damage happens. Avoid ripping posts out by force.
🛠 If Posts Are Set in Concrete:
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Dig around the concrete base with a shovel (approx. 1–2 ft diameter)
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Wiggle the post until loose
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Use a post puller or pry bar to lift the post + concrete footing
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Fill the hole with dirt and tamp it down to restore lawn level
🛠 If Posts Are Not in Concrete:
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Posts may slide out after a few wiggles
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If stuck, soak the base with water to loosen packed soil
Tips to Protect Your Yard During Fence Removal
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Lay down plywood or tarp along work paths to avoid trampling grass
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Use a wheelbarrow for moving mesh and hardware—not dragging
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Avoid working in soggy conditions to prevent deep footprints
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Fill holes immediately and reseed if needed
What to Do with Old Fence Materials?
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Recycle the steel mesh and metal posts
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Repurpose rails or posts for garden projects
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Dispose of concrete footings at your local construction waste center
Many scrapyards accept chain link material—check ahead!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Pulling mesh too fast → damages lawn & warps the roll
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Ignoring underground roots around posts
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Cutting corners—literally—by not removing corner posts carefully
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Leaving debris behind (can cause injuries later)
Thinking About a Replacement Fence?
After removing the old one, it’s the perfect time to upgrade.
👉 Check Our Chain Link Fence Kits & Materials
👉 Learn: How Far Apart Should Chain Link Fence Posts Be?
We offer everything you need—from new galvanized mesh rolls to tension wire, caps, and more.
Final Thoughts
Removing a chain link fence doesn’t have to leave your yard looking like a battlefield. With the right tools and a bit of care, you can finish the job cleanly, quickly, and safely—preparing the ground for whatever comes next.
Whether you’re replacing the fence or reclaiming space, smart removal is step one toward a better backyard.
FAQs
Q: Can I reuse my old chain link fence parts?
A: Yes! If the mesh isn’t rusted or damaged, you can reuse it—especially for garden fencing or DIY enclosures.
Q: What do I do if the concrete around my posts is huge?
A: Rent a post puller or use a jack with a chain looped around the post. Alternatively, cut the post off at ground level and cover the concrete base.
Q: Do I need a permit to remove my fence?
A: Usually not, but check with your local zoning or HOA if you live in a regulated neighborhood.
