Agricultural operations find that old and poorly maintained fence lines create both safety hazards and drain farming efficiency. Old fences often create up to 50 feet of space around fence edges that go unused and unproductive. Hardwood tree species grow laterally out into field space and produce widespread seedlings and encroachment into otherwise tillable space. Hardwood loggers are usually reluctant to select cut fence line trees with ancient embedded fencing wire. The key to successful fence line clearing is regular maintenance at times that will not impact active crop production.

Ignoring routine clearance of fence lines can result in costly emergency work during the growing season when tall hardwood trees are blown down into fields and surrounding roads. Fence lines typically involve boundaries between adjoining properties as well as internal fences. It is critical that contractors engaged in fence line clearing understand and observe applicable laws and rules related to border fencing.