The Garden District is one of Baton Rouge’s historic neighborhoods: oak-lined streets between downtown and Mid City, near Park Boulevard, with historic-district character. Many homes here are older, and raised houses are more common than in newer subdivisions.
Fencing around live oaks
Mature live oaks close to houses mean a fence line may have to work around large trunks and roots.
A big tree on the fence line changes how the line is built. Posts may need to move to clear the trunk and its largest roots, a section may need to step around the tree rather than run straight, and the installer may need to dig some holes by hand. Point out every large tree near the line when you call, and ask the installer how they plan to handle each one. That plan belongs on the quote, so you are not surprised by a change on installation day.
Front yard and back yard are different jobs
On an older house, the front and back of the lot often want different fences. Out front, the fence frames the house for the street, so an open style — an aluminum or iron-look fence, or a short picket — usually fits better than a solid wall. Out back, where privacy matters, a solid wood or vinyl fence does the work. Quoting both on the same visit lets the installer match heights and line up the transitions.
On a historic-character street, details matter more than usual: the top style of a metal fence, the color, how it meets a brick column or a porch, and how the gate swings onto the walk. Ask the installer to sketch the front layout on the quote.
Raised houses and the fence line
Where a raised house sits close to the side lot line, the fence may need to meet the house at a crawlspace vent, a skirting panel, or a set of steps. Ask how the fence will tie in, and whether a gate there will clear the steps when it swings. Small details, but they decide whether the finished fence looks like it belongs.
Repairing an older fence
Not every Garden District call is for a new fence. An older wood or metal fence may just need a post reset, a few pickets replaced, or a gate rehung. On a historic-character street, the question is often whether replacement parts will match what is there — the board profile, the picket top, the color of a metal fence. Ask the installer whether matching parts are available before you decide between a repair and a new section.
What the quote should list
- 1Footage & layoutTotal linear feet, fence height, and where the line runs — drawn or described so you can check it.
- 2Old-fence removal & haul-offTaking down and hauling away the existing fence, priced on its own line — or stated as not included.
- 3Materials & postsFence material and style, post type and spacing, and how posts are set.
- 4Gates & hardwareEach gate's width and type, plus hinges, latches, and any hardware upgrades.
On a lot with trees and an existing fence, the removal line and the footage line carry the most detail. Make sure both say exactly what is included.
Permits. Baton Rouge is in East Baton Rouge Parish. Ask your installer who pulls the permit.
How a Garden District request moves
Call (225) 351-2857 or send the form. Mention the trees on the line, whether it is a front, back, or both, and the style you have in mind. Your request goes to one local installer, who walks the lot and puts the quote in writing. The quote, the contract, and the work are between you and that installer. For the full picture across the city, see the Baton Rouge fence company home page.
Other Baton Rouge neighborhoods: Mid City and Broadmoor. See every service area by parish.