Split Rail Farm Fence

Winter Fence Planning in Central Arkansas: Get Ahead of Next Year’s Projects.

December 10, 20257 min read

Winter Fence Planning in Central Arkansas: Get Ahead of Next Year’s Projects.

Why December is the ideal time for Hot Springs Village homeowners and businesses to design and schedule a new fence with Tommy’s Custom Fencing.

As the year winds down in Central Arkansas, most people are thinking about holiday plans, not fence lines. But if you have been considering a new fence for your home, farm, or business, early winter is actually one of the smartest times to start planning.

At Tommy’s Custom Fencing in Hot Springs Village, AR, we see a consistent pattern every year: once spring arrives, phones start ringing non-stop and schedules fill quickly. Homeowners need wood privacy fences, farmers need new pasture fencing, and businesses want to upgrade their security or curb appeal. By starting the process in December, you can get in front of that rush, make more thoughtful decisions, and be ready to enjoy your new fence as soon as the weather warms up.

Below is a practical guide to winter fence planning in Central Arkansas—what to think about now, how to choose the right type of fence, and how Tommy’s Custom Fencing can help you move from idea to finished project.

Metal Posts

Why Winter Is a Smart Time to Plan Your Fence

Central Arkansas does not experience the severe, prolonged freezes that many other states do. Our winters are generally mild, with cold snaps, rain, and the occasional icy day, but plenty of workable weather in between. That climate gives you several advantages if you start your project planning in December or January.

1. Get Ahead of the Spring Backlog

By late winter and early spring, homeowners all over Hot Springs Village, Little Rock, and the surrounding communities begin booking fence installations at the same time. Lead times grow, and prime installation dates disappear quickly.

If you reach out to a local fence company such as Tommy’s Custom Fencing during the winter, you can:

  • Secure preferred dates on the installation calendar.

  • Take your time reviewing options instead of making rushed decisions.

Coordinate timing with other outdoor projects like landscaping, decks, or pool installations.

2. More Time for Design and Approvals

Fence projects often involve details that take time:

  • Checking property lines and easements.

  • Confirming neighborhood or HOA fence guidelines.

  • Deciding on height, style, and gate placement.

  • Choosing between wood privacy fences, vinyl fences, aluminum or powder-coated wrought iron, chain link, split rail, or farm fencing.

Working through those steps during winter means that by the time soil conditions and weather are ideal, your design is locked in and materials can be ordered without delay.

vinyl fence, wrought iron fence, wood privacy fence, chain link fence

3. Winter Reveals Real-World Needs

With trees bare and summer foliage gone, it is easier to see exactly where you need privacy or security. You can better evaluate:

  • Sight lines from neighboring properties.

  • Areas where pets can slip through existing fences.

  • Low spots or drainage issues that might affect posts and footings.

This “clear view” of your property helps you and your fencing contractor identify the best layout and materials for long-term performance.

Matching Fence Types to Your Goals

Tommy’s Custom Fencing installs a wide variety of fence styles across Central Arkansas. Rather than comparing materials in a vacuum, it helps to start by defining your goals. Then you can choose the fence type that best matches each priority.

Privacy and Quiet

For homeowners in Hot Springs Village or nearby communities who want to block street views and reduce noise, a wood privacy fence or vinyl privacy fence is often the best solution.

  • Wood privacy fences provide a classic Arkansas look and can be customized with different heights, caps, and trim.

  • Vinyl fences offer a clean, low-maintenance option that will not rot, warp, or require frequent repainting.

Security and Property Boundaries

If your main concern is security, durability, and clearly defined property lines, several options may fit:

  • Powder-coated aluminum or ornamental wrought iron-style fences deliver a high-end look with excellent longevity.

  • Chain link fences are a practical, budget-friendly solution for backyards, commercial properties, and storage yards.

  • Commercial fencing systems can be tailored to meet business needs for access control, loading areas, and equipment protection.

Pets, Children, and Livestock

Central Arkansas is full of pet owners, hobby farmers, and working ranches. Keeping animals safe requires thoughtful fence planning.

  • Residential backyard fences—wood, vinyl, or chain link—keep dogs and children safely contained.

  • Split rail and farm fences work well for horses and livestock, with options for wire mesh or additional lines to secure smaller animals.

  • Gates (non-automated) can be strategically placed for easy access to barns, sheds, and driveways.

By talking through your priorities with the team at Tommy’s Custom Fencing, you can create a custom solution that balances privacy, security, appearance, and budget.

wood walk gate with metal hinges and latch

Central Arkansas Climate Considerations

Our climate shapes how fences perform over time. Hot, humid summers and wet winters mean material selection and installation quality are critical.

  • Pressure-treated wood is essential for posts and structural elements that contact soil. Proper installation and sealing help wood privacy fences withstand moisture and temperature swings.

  • Vinyl fencing resists rot, insect damage, and fading, which makes it a strong choice for homeowners who want minimal maintenance.

  • Aluminum and powder-coated steel fences provide rust resistance and long-term durability, even in areas with standing water or heavy dew.

  • Galvanized chain link is ideal for utility areas, kennels, and commercial sites where function and longevity matter more than ornamentation.

Tommy’s Custom Fencing understands the soil and weather conditions across Hot Springs Village, Hot Springs, and the broader Central Arkansas region. That local knowledge means your fence can be engineered and installed with our specific climate in mind, not just generic national standards.

The Winter Planning Process with Tommy’s Custom Fencing

If you are ready to explore a new fence, here is how the process typically works when you contact Tommy’s Custom Fencing during the winter months:

  1. Initial Conversation
    You share your goals—privacy, security, livestock control, pool safety, curb appeal, or a combination of these. The team gathers basic information on your property, measurements, and any HOA requirements.

  2. On-Site Evaluation
    A fencing professional visits your property, evaluates grade and soil conditions, identifies utility lines, and discusses layout and gate placement. Winter’s open sight lines make this step especially efficient.

  3. Design and Material Selection
    Based on your budget and preferences, you choose between wood privacy, vinyl, aluminum, powder-coated ornamental, chain link, split rail, farm fences, or a mix of systems. You can explore different heights, colors, and styles to match your home or business.

  4. Detailed Proposal
    You receive a clear, written estimate outlining materials, labor, projected schedule, and any preparatory work needed (such as clearing brush or removing an old fence).

  5. Scheduling and Installation
    Because you booked early, you secure a slot that fits your calendar. When installation begins, the crew handles post setting, framework, panels or pickets, gates, and final cleanup so you are left with a finished fence and a clean yard.

Winter Maintenance Tips for Existing Fences

Even if you are not ready for a new fence yet, early winter is the perfect time to inspect and maintain what you already have. A few simple tasks can extend the life of your investment:

  • Walk your fence line and look for leaning posts, loose pickets, and sagging gates.

  • Clear leaves, soil, and mulch away from the base of wood posts to reduce moisture exposure.

  • Trim shrubs and branches that are pushing against the fence or trapping moisture.

  • For aluminum, powder-coated, or chain link fences, rinse off mud and debris and check for damaged sections.

  • On farm and split-rail fences, inspect wires and boards for breaks or rot to ensure your livestock stays secure.

If you see damage or wear, Tommy’s Custom Fencing can advise whether a repair will suffice or if it is more cost-effective to replace a section or install a new system.

farm fence, split rail fence

Ready to Plan Your Next Fence in Central Arkansas?

If you are in Hot Springs Village or anywhere in Central Arkansas and considering a new fence for 2025, now is the ideal time to start. Winter planning lets you secure your spot on the schedule, choose the best materials, and move into spring with a finished project instead of just a to-do list.

Request Your Custom Fence Quote from Tommy’s Custom Fencing
Take the first step today. Contact Tommy’s Custom Fencing to
schedule a no-obligation consultation and quote for your residential, commercial, or farm fencing project. Share your vision, walk your property with a local expert, and get a clear plan and price tailored to your needs.

Reach out now, and let Tommy’s Custom Fencing turn your Central Arkansas property into a safer, more beautiful space—one well-built fence at a time.

The team at Tommy's Custom Fencing

Tommy's Custom Fencing Team

The team at Tommy's Custom Fencing

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