Fence-panel removal may be above-ground work, but pulling posts and concrete footings is excavation. In Texas, the utility-marking step belongs before digging, not after a post hole reveals a line.
Decide whether posts stay, are cut, or are pulled
These are three different finish conditions. Leaving posts can support a replacement layout, cutting posts may leave material below grade, and pulling posts can disturb soil, irrigation, drainage, or utilities. State the expected result for each post type.
Contact Texas 811 before excavation
Texas 811 tells homeowners to contact 811 for fence work or other activity that requires digging. Texas law requires excavators to contact 811 at least two business days before excavation, excluding weekends and holidays. [Texas 811 homeowner guidance]
Utility marks do not resolve every private line. Irrigation, landscape lighting, pool equipment, private electrical feeds, and other owner-installed systems may need separate locating. Ask what the ticket covers and what remains the property owner’s responsibility.
| Fence detail | Planning question |
|---|---|
| Wood panels | Are boards reusable, brittle, painted, or attached to neighboring improvements? |
| Metal panels | Are sharp edges, welded sections, or masonry columns part of the scope? |
| Posts | Wood, steel, masonry, or mixed, and cut versus full extraction? |
| Footings | Expected size, access for removal, and required final grade? |
| Property line | Who owns the fence and who has approved removal? |
Walk the complete fence line
Photograph gates, corners, grade changes, retaining walls, trees, vines, utilities, and areas that cannot be reached from either side. Show where panels and posts can be staged without blocking a sidewalk, driveway, or neighbor’s access.
Fence removal checklist
- Confirm ownership and removal authorization.
- Measure linear footage, height, gates, and panel material.
- Choose the post and footing finish condition.
- Open the required Texas 811 ticket before digging.
- Locate private systems not covered by public utility marking.
- Mark plants, hardscape, and structures that stay.
- Agree on debris, holes, backfill, and the final grade.
Sources were reviewed on September 28, 2026. Rules, site conditions, and service scope can change. Confirm current requirements with the responsible authority and the people performing the work.