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Clear the way for new projects with fence removal in Chicago, IL that handles all the heavy lifting. Our crew removes old posts, panels, and concrete, then loads and hauls away debris so your yard is clean and ready for a new fence or open space.
Truepost Fences Chicago provides professional fence removal throughout Chicago, IL, Illinois and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call (312) 467-7891 or request your free quote.
Fence removal in Chicago done the careful way
When you call Truepost Fences Chicago for fence removal and haul away, we do far more than show up with a saw and a truck. Old fences in Chicago are often tied into neighbors’ structures, tangled in overgrown bushes, sitting on top of buried utilities, or set in concrete that has been there for decades. Our crews are trained to remove all of that safely, cleanly, and with as little disruption to your yard and neighbors as possible.
Before we touch a single post, we walk the full fence line with you. We identify property lines, shared sections with neighbors, and any gates or hardware you want to keep. If your survey is available, we look at it together so there are no surprises when you are ready for a new fence later. We also listen to why you want the fence removed, such as preparing for a new style, opening up the yard, safety concerns, or violations from the City of Chicago.
Chicago yards are often tight and close to garages, alleys, and sidewalks. That means access and disposal are just as important as the removal itself. We plan where our crew will stage tools and where materials will be carried out so we are not blocking your alley, damaging parkways, or tracking mud through your grass. For multi unit buildings, we coordinate around tenant access and try to limit noise to reasonable daytime hours.
Our step by step fence removal process
Truepost Fences Chicago follows a repeatable process so your fence removal is predictable and safe.
1. Site check and utility awareness: We visually check for gas meters, electrical lines, cable and internet boxes, and sprinkler heads. While fence removal usually does not require a new JULIE dig ticket, we treat every post as if there could be lines nearby, especially in older Chicago neighborhoods where utilities can be shallow or not exactly where you expect.
2. Section by section breakdown: We typically remove panels first, then rails, then posts. For wood fences, we cut sections down into manageable pieces before prying them off. For chain link, we remove tie wires, detach the fabric, roll it up tightly, and remove top rails. For ornamental steel or aluminum, we unbolt panels to avoid bending them if you or a neighbor might want to reuse them.
3. Concrete and post extraction: Old Chicago fences often sit in large concrete footings. Depending on your plans and budget, we can either fully extract the concrete or cut it off below grade so you can safely landscape over it. For full removals, we use digging bars, post pullers, and in some cases small concrete breakers to bring footings out in chunks that can be hauled away.
4. Sorting and loading for haul away: Wood, metal, and concrete are separated so materials can be taken to appropriate disposal or recycling facilities. This step matters in Chicago, where dumpsters may be limited and some alleys are tight. We plan loads so our trucks are in and out quickly without blocking neighbors.
5. Final clean up: We rake and magnet sweep where needed to catch nails, screws, and small metal scraps. Any surface roots we cut to access posts are trimmed cleanly. If you are installing a new fence with us, we also rough mark possible new post locations so you can visually confirm the layout before the next phase begins.
What affects the cost of fence removal and haul away
We are upfront with pricing so you understand what you are paying for. Fence removal in Chicago varies quite a bit, because not every fence is the same age, material, or condition. Truepost Fences Chicago looks at several key factors when preparing your quote.
Fence material: Wood, chain link, vinyl, composite, and ornamental metal each take different time and tools to remove. Heavier materials like composite and steel typically cost more to remove and haul away than simple chain link. Wood fences with lots of rot can fall apart during removal, which increases labor time for clean up.
Footings and posts: Fence posts set in full concrete footings are more labor intensive to remove than those tamped in soil or gravel. Some older Chicago fences have oversized footings or even continuous concrete ribbons. If you want every bit of concrete out to prepare for a new design, that will be quoted differently than a basic cut off below grade.
Access and disposal: If we can back a truck close to the fence line in an alley or driveway, costs stay lower. If all debris must be hand carried through a narrow gangway or down a long side yard, labor time increases. Chicago neighborhood parking and alley access can also affect how we stage the job and the number of trips needed to disposal sites.
Total length and height: A short, 30 foot section around a small yard is much different from a 200 foot perimeter fence around a multi unit building. Taller fences, especially 8 foot privacy styles, require more time to disassemble safely. We measure carefully so you know exactly how many linear feet we are removing.
Add ons: Common add ons include removing old gates, tearing out volunteer trees or shrubs that have grown through the fence, and disposing of dumped items that have collected along the fence line over the years. We point these out during your estimate so you can decide what you want us to handle and what you might remove yourself to save cost.
Dealing with neighbors, property lines, and city rules
In Chicago, fences often sit right on or near the property line, which means fence removal can raise questions with neighbors and sometimes with the city. Truepost Fences Chicago helps you navigate those situations in a calm, practical way.
Shared fences: If you and your neighbor both use the fence, it is smart to talk with them before removal. Many clients ask us to provide a simple written estimate they can share with the neighbor if cost splitting is being discussed. We can also separate pricing for each stretch so neighbors only pay for what touches their property.
Property lines: We always ask whether you have a survey or plat of survey, especially in neighborhoods with tight lots like Avondale, Pilsen, Logan Square, and Portage Park. While we are not surveyors, we use your documents and visible markers to make sure we are removing the correct fence. If there is uncertainty, we recommend confirming lines before pulling out any shared barrier.
City of Chicago requirements: Fences under a certain height can often be removed without permits, but if the fence is tied into other structures or is part of a commercial or multi unit property, city rules may apply. If you received a violation notice, we can review it with you and tailor our removal so you can provide evidence of correction to the Department of Buildings.
Communicating during the job: On the day of work, we introduce ourselves to any neighbors whose yards we might briefly enter for access, with your permission. We keep debris on your side unless there is a clear agreement otherwise. If a neighbor wants to keep part of the old fence for their side, we label and set aside sections where possible so everyone is clear on what is staying and what is going.
Preparing your yard for removal and what to expect day of service
You do not have to over prepare your property, but a few simple steps can make your fence removal smoother and faster. Truepost Fences Chicago will remind you of these items when we schedule your job.
Clearing the fence line: Move grills, patio furniture, toys, dog houses, and anything else that rests against the fence at least a few feet away. If vines, ivy, or heavy shrubs have grown into the fence, let us know whether you want us to cut and haul that growth or if you prefer to trim it beforehand. Removing yard items saves time and protects your belongings from dust and falling debris.
Pets and access: Chicago backyards often rely on existing fences to keep pets secure. On removal day, plan for how you will contain dogs or other animals once the fence sections start coming down. We can sometimes leave selected panels or a temporary barrier in place for a few hours if needed, but it is best to have a kennel, indoor area, or leash plan ready.
Noise and timing: Fence removal involves cutting, prying, and concrete work, which creates some noise. We schedule within normal daytime hours and can give you a time window so you can notify neighbors or plan around naps and remote work. For larger properties, we may split the work into multiple days, and we will tell you that in advance.
Final condition of the yard: Once removal is complete, you should expect some disturbed soil where posts and concrete came out. We fill larger holes for safety and can roughly level the area, but if you are not installing a new fence right away, you may want to budget for topsoil and seed or additional grading. If a new fence is going in with us, we coordinate removal and installation so your yard is not left open any longer than necessary.
Why Chicago homeowners trust Truepost Fences Chicago for fence removal
A lot of companies focus only on new fences and treat removal as a rushed first step. At Truepost Fences Chicago, we treat fence removal and haul away as its own service, with its own standards. That mindset matters when your goal is to clear out old, unsafe, or eyesore fencing without creating new headaches.
Local experience: Our crews work every week in Chicago neighborhoods, from bungalows in Jefferson Park and brick two flats in Albany Park to graystones in Bronzeville and frame homes in West Lawn. We understand gangways that only fit a wheelbarrow, garages that open directly onto alleys, and older concrete that has been patched many times.
Safety first: We use the right protective gear, stable ladders, and post pulling equipment to minimize the chance of damage to your siding, garage, or landscaping. Nails and screws are collected, not left for your kids or pets to find later. For metal fences, we watch for sharp edges and cut or cap them before hauling.
Clear communication and written estimates: You receive a written estimate that breaks out labor, haul away, and any add ons so you can see where each dollar goes. If you are comparing quotes, we are happy to explain what is included in ours so you are not surprised by disposal or concrete removal fees later.
If you are ready to remove an old fence or need to clear your yard for a new design, Truepost Fences Chicago can handle the entire process from first panel to final clean up. We offer scheduling options to fit busy Chicago households, and we always aim to leave your space cleaner and safer than we found it.
