Snow Fences: Benefits, Types, and How to Install Them

While everyone appreciates the pristine beauty of newly fallen snow, no one can blame the lack of enthusiasm among those charged with managing its accumulation. Blowing and drifting snow make roadways and railways hazardous, with poor visibility and unpredictable travel conditions.

Snow removal is expensive. Recent data suggests that it costs the United States $4 billion per year. Well-positioned snow fences reduce the amount of snow that must be removed from city streets, interstate highways, and airport runways. With less snow to remove, roads, airports, and railways become accessible faster.

What Are Snow Fences?

Snow fences are structures that control where snow accumulates by disrupting air currents that carry the snow along the ground. They are used to direct snow away from roadways and railways. Construction sites use them to section off areas for easier access. Snow fences are also installed to prevent flooding when snow melts.

Snow fences may be temporary or permanent. They may be made from plastic, wood, or living trees or shrubs. Temporary snow fences are often made of plastic webbing attached to metal stakes and stand about four feet high. Permanent fencing may use wood with plastic coverings and stand about six feet tall.

Live snow fencing uses trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to create turbulence, causing the snow to fall. Live fencing is often found on farms, ski resorts, and rural areas, providing an aesthetically pleasing structure.

Where Are Snow Fences Used and Why?

Snow fences appear along roadways and railroad tracks. They control snow accumulation on farms and ski resorts. They can even be found on golf courses, construction sites, schools and universities.

• Roads and Railways. Snow fences reduce drifting snow that can block roads and railway tracks, making travel safer and reducing the cost of snow removal.
• Farms. Farmers have used snow fences for decades, beginning with live fencing. Farmers plant trees as windbreaks to protect crops from dust, snow, and sand. They also use them to create water reservoirs as the snow melts.
• Ski Resorts. Ski resorts use snow fencing to reduce uncontrolled snow accumulations that lead to avalanches. Strategically placed, they can help resorts maximize snowfall for improved skiing.
• Construction Sites. While construction may slow during winter months, it doesn't stop. Snow fences keep snow from accumulating around equipment and access roads. They can prevent flooding during the spring when snow melts.
• Schools and Universities. College campuses deploy snow fencing to keep snow off of sidewalks and common areas, making walkways safer for students and faculty while reducing the cost of snow removal.
• Golf Courses. Maintaining golf courses during winter months means protecting the ground from melting snow. Snow fences help ground crews direct snow to safe areas.

Properly placed, snow fences can provide protection for thousands of feet.

Why Are Snow Fences Essential for Winter Safety?

Environmental Protection

Snow fences help reduce soil erosion by controlling wind speed. They also manage snow runoff, directing water to safe areas like rivers and lakes, preventing flooding and damage to the surrounding landscape.

Improved Infrastructure Longevity

By preventing snow accumulation on roads, snow fences reduce damage to infrastructure, such as pavement cracking due to freezing and thawing. This prolongs the lifespan of roads, railways, and runways, reducing maintenance costs.

Enhanced Safety and Accessibility

Snow fences keep roads and walkways clear of snow, improving visibility and making travel safer. They also prevent snow from blocking access to construction sites and other important areas, promoting safer and more efficient operations.

Cost Savings on Snow Removal

By minimizing the amount of snow that needs to be removed, snow fences reduce costs associated with snow removal equipment, labor, and materials (like road salt). This makes them a cost-effective solution for cities, businesses, and construction sites.

What Type of Snow Fences Are There?

Snow fences come in various types to suit different needs, including temporary, permanent, and living snow fences. Each type serves a specific purpose based on its location and use.

Choosing the Right Type

When deciding on a snow fence, consider:

• Temporary vs. Permanent Needs: Do you need a fence for the season, or will it be a long-term solution?
• Material Considerations: Is durability or appearance more important?
• Location: Will the fence be in a high-wind area, or do you want something that blends into the natural environment?

1. Temporary Snow Fences

• Material: Often made of plastic mesh or other lightweight materials, temporary fences are easy to install and remove. These fences are ideal for short-term use on construction sites, roads, or railways.
• Benefits: Quick installation, portability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Use: Typically deployed in areas that need snow control for a limited time, like around construction equipment or access roads.

2. Permanent Snow Fences

• Material: Made from wood, metal, or plastic coverings, these fences are built to last and are often more robust.
• Benefits: Long-term protection against snow accumulation, stronger durability for high-wind areas.
• Use: Used in locations that require year-round protection from snow, such as highways, farms, or ski resorts.

3. Living Snow Fences

• Material: Composed of trees, shrubs, or other vegetation, living snow fences are environmentally friendly and blend naturally into the landscape.
• Benefits: Aesthetically pleasing, sustainable, and provide natural windbreaks. They also support the environment by reducing erosion and enhancing local biodiversity.
• Use: Commonly used on farms or in rural areas, especially where a more natural appearance is desired.

How Do Snow Fences Work?

Snow fences disrupt the wind's speed, causing snow to be deposited downwind along the fence line. They reduce wind speed but do not stop it. Fencing should be about 50% open and 50% closed to allow some wind to pass through, giving it the flexibility to withstand high winds.

Once the wind slows, the snow is deposited where the wind speed is slowest. The reduced speed and corresponding snow accumulation continue for about 10 to 12 times the height of the fence. For example, a four-foot fence would protect an area up to 40 or 48 feet.

As the snow accumulates, a recirculation zone forms, adding to the snow being deposited. The fencing height should reflect the expected snow drifts. The fencing will no longer work if the snow exceeds the fence height.

How to Install a Snow Fence

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

• Select a location upwind from the area you want to protect. For example, when installing a fence along a road, position the fence so it blocks the wind and prevents snow from drifting onto the road.
• The distance between the fence and the protected area depends on the fence height:

• • 4-foot fence: Place it 40–48 feet away.
  • 6-foot fence: Place it 60–72 feet away.

Step 2: Select the Proper Fence Height

• The height of the fence is critical to controlling snow drift.

• • Wind speeds below 20 mph: A 4-foot fence works well.
  • Wind speeds above 45 mph: A 6-foot fence is recommended for maximum snow control.
• The fence height also influences how far the snow will drift. The snow can accumulate up to 12 times the height of the fence (i.e., a 4-foot fence can protect an area up to 48 feet downwind).

Step 3: Prepare the Posts

• Dig post holes using a post-hole digger or auger. Ensure that the posts are buried at least 1/3 of their total length to withstand snow drift forces.
• The spacing between posts depends on the fence height and wind speed. For example:

• • For a 4-foot plastic fence, space posts about 8 feet apart.
  • For a 6-foot wood fence, space posts about 4.5 feet apart.

Step 4: Install the Fence

• If using plastic fencing, pull the material taut and secure it to the posts using cable ties spaced every 6 inches along the height of the post.
• For wooden fences, attach the fencing material with wire, nails, or cable ties, making sure it is firmly fastened to each post.

Step 5: Add a Gap at the Bottom

• For the fence to function properly, there should be a gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground to prevent it from getting buried by snow. This gap should be 5–6 inches for a 4-foot fence.

Step 6: Check for Stability and Adjust

• Once installed, check the fence for stability, especially in high-wind areas. Make adjustments as needed, such as reinforcing with additional posts or supports to prevent sagging.

Step 7: Remove and Store the Fence

• When the snow melts, remove the fence by pulling out the posts and rolling up the fencing. Inspect the material for any damage and store it in a dry place for future use.

 

Common Mistakes When Installing Snow Fences

1. Placing the Fence Too Close to the Area

• Mistake: Installing the fence too close reduces effectiveness.
• Fix: Place a 4-foot fence 40–48 feet away and a 6-foot fence 60–72 feet away.

2. Ignoring Wind Direction

• Mistake: Not considering wind direction leads to poor snow control.
• Fix: Install the fence upwind of the area to be protected, facing the prevailing wind.

3. Using the Wrong Materials

• Mistake: Using weak materials in high-wind areas.
• Fix: Use plastic fences for temporary use and wood or metal for permanent solutions.

4. Improper Post Spacing

• Mistake: Too much or too little space between posts causes instability.
• Fix: Space posts 8 feet apart for a 4-foot fence and 4.5 feet apart for a 6-foot fence.

5. No Gap at the Bottom

• Mistake: Installing the fence directly on the ground leads to snow buildup.
• Fix: Leave a 5–6 inch gap between the fence and the ground.

6. Not Reinforcing in High-Wind Areas

• Mistake: Skipping additional supports in windy areas.
• Fix: Use supports or guy wires to secure the fence.

7. Skipping Stability Checks

• Mistake: Not checking the fence after installation.
• Fix: Regularly check and reinforce the fence as needed.

How to Remove a Snow Fence

The following steps outline how to remove a snow fence.

1. Remove any guy wires or added support attached to the snow fence.
2. Pull out the stakes or posts securing the fence and place them on the ground. A post-puller can make the removal easier.
3. Check for damage and make repairs.
4. Flatten the fencing material, removing any wrinkles or bends.
5. Roll up the fencing, including the post, if possible.
6. Store the snow fence in a protected area.

Snow Fence Maintenance Tips

• Clean Plastic Fences Regularly

Tip: Remove dirt and snow buildup to prevent damage and keep the fence functional. Use a brush or hose to clean.

• Seal and Stain Wooden Fences

Tip: To prevent decay, seal wood fences annually and restain if necessary, especially after harsh weather.

• Check for Loose Posts

Tip: After winter storms, inspect and tighten any loose posts or supports to maintain stability.

• Store Fencing Properly

Tip: After the snow melts, remove and store plastic fencing in a dry, sheltered area to prevent material degradation.

• Inspect for Damage Before Reuse

Tip: Check for any tears, holes, or wear in the fence material before reinstalling for the next season.

Protecting Construction Sites

Snow fence installation around construction sites protects equipment and workers from adverse conditions.

Whether wood or plastic snow fences, construction crews can manage snow accumulation and reduce the chance of weather-related accidents.

They also keep equipment accessible. Work doesn't have to stop until the snow melts and no-one has to spend unnecessary time shoveling snow.

Snow fences not only control snow drifts but also control flooding from snow runoff. Well-positioned snow fences can divert melting snow to prevent unwanted flooding.

When properly installed and stored, snow fences can help keep roads and railways safe for years.

Learn more about safety in construction zones on or near roads by reading our article with 10 actionable tips on how to protect drivers and workers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Fences

Can snow fences prevent snow from accumulating on roads?

Yes, snow fences are highly effective at preventing snowdrifts from blocking roads, railways, and other key infrastructure, improving visibility and reducing snow removal costs.

How do I maintain a snow fence?

To maintain a snow fence, regularly clean plastic fences, seal and restain wooden fences, and inspect for damage. After winter, remove and store the fencing in a dry place for future use.

How long do snow fences last?

The lifespan of a snow fence depends on the material. Plastic fences last for several seasons if maintained, while wooden fences can last longer with proper sealing and care. Living fences can be permanent with proper care of the vegetation.

Are snow fences environmentally friendly?

Yes, living snow fences made from trees and shrubs are particularly environmentally friendly, as they reduce soil erosion, improve biodiversity, and blend naturally into the landscape.

How much does a snow fence cost?

The cost of a snow fence varies depending on the material and size. Plastic mesh fences are usually more affordable, while wood and metal fences can be more expensive but offer long-term durability.

Can I install a snow fence myself?

Yes, snow fences can typically be installed by DIYers, especially temporary plastic fences. However, permanent wooden or metal fences may require professional installation for stability and long-term effectiveness.