When Neighbours Build a Raised Bed Against Your Fence

When Neighbours Build a Raised Bed Against Your Fence It’s quite common for neighbours to make changes in their gardens that affect shared boundaries. One situation that often causes concern is when a raised bed is built directly against a fence. At first glance, it might seem harmless, but there are a few important things to know before deciding what to do. 

Also read 'Can a neighbour lean or put things against a fence'

How Raised Beds Can Affect a Fence 

Raised beds hold a lot of soil, which becomes heavy when wet. If that soil is pressed against a fence, it can create problems over time: 

• Pressure on fence posts – If posts were not installed to withstand sideways pressure, they may begin to lean. 
•  Damage to wooden gravel boards – Soil and moisture can cause them to rot or warp faster than expected, even if they were treated. Read our blog on 'What is a gravel board'.
• Fence panels in contact with soil – Panels are not designed to touch the ground. Constant moisture can make them deteriorate much quicker. 

Concrete gravel boards cope better with contact, but even they are not designed to take the full weight of a raised bed pressing against them. 

Who Owns the Fence? 

Before taking action, it’s worth checking who owns the fence. If it is on your property, your neighbour should not build against it without your permission. You can check property deeds or speak to your local council if you are unsure. 

Talking to Your Neighbour 

The simplest way forward is usually to have a friendly chat. Your neighbour may not realise that their raised bed could cause damage. By explaining the situation calmly, you may be able to agree on a solution. You could suggest: 

• Moving the raised bed slightly away from the fence. 
• Adding a barrier, such as liner board or sheeting, to stop soil pressing directly on the fence. 
• If you own the fence, another option is to temporarily remove the panels or gravel boards while your neighbour builds their raised bed. This can also be done afterwards if the bed is already in place. Once the soil has settled, the fence can be reinstalled so that it is not in direct contact with the soil. 

Most people will be happy to adjust once they understand the problem. 

What to Do if a Raised Bed Is Already Against Your Fence 

• Check for early signs of damage such as leaning posts or warping boards. 
• If you own the fence, consider removing panels or gravel boards temporarily and reinstalling them so they no longer touch the soil. 
• Place a barrier (such as damp-proof membrane or heavy-duty plastic) between the soil and the fence. 
•  Keep communication open with your neighbour and agree on a long-term solution. 

If Problems Continue 

If your neighbour refuses to make changes and the fence starts to suffer damage, you may need to take further steps. Keep records of conversations, take photos, and if necessary, seek advice from a mediator or legal professional. A polite written note can also help to show that you’ve tried to resolve things reasonably. 

Preventing Future Issues 

If you are worried about this happening again, there are a few things you can do: Install concrete gravel boards to lift fence panels away from the soil. Plant a hedge or install a trellis on your side of the fence to create a buffer. 

Understanding Raised Bed Construction 

Raised beds are usually built in one of two ways, each offering different benefits depending on the garden layout and materials available.  If they can be built freestanding and not against a fence, this often fixes the problem. 

DIY Timber Beds - Using Sleepers Many gardeners choose to build their own raised beds using timber, especially timber sleepers and landscape timbers. Sleepers are thick, heavy-duty pieces of wood that create strong and durable frames. They are ideal for larger beds and can be combined with gravel boards or other timber to complete the structure. The size and strength of these beds depend on the type of wood and how it is fixed together. 

Pre-Built Raised Bed Kits - Garden centres and online suppliers offer ready-made kits that are designed to slot together quickly. These kits are convenient and easy to assemble, but some are made from lightweight materials that may not be strong enough to hold heavy, wet soil without bending or bowing. All raised beds are filled with soil and compost, which become much heavier when watered. Deep beds can push sideways against nearby structures such as fences, especially if the frame is not reinforced. Knowing how a raised bed is built can help you suggest practical solutions. For example, a pre-built kit could be moved slightly away from a fence to reduce pressure. A sleeper-based DIY bed could be lined with heavy-duty plastic to limit moisture contact and protect surrounding surfaces.

Final Thoughts 

Neighbours often make garden improvements with the best intentions, but raised beds against fences can create problems. The best approach is to protect your fence and keep good relations by talking things through early. A little understanding on both sides usually prevents bigger issues later on.