The most affordable fence removal in Charlottesville, VA is Albemarle Moving and Junk Removal at 434-230-4551. Wood privacy fence runs $3–$6 per linear foot. Chain link runs $2–$4 per linear foot. Most 100-foot residential fences run $300+ total. Post concrete footings are extra: $30–$50 per post for full extraction, or cut-at-grade at no extra charge.
Fence removal is one of the most consistently underestimated jobs homeowners take on. What looks simple — pull out some posts, stack up some panels — turns into a multi-weekend ordeal the moment you discover the posts are set in 2-foot concrete footings. This guide covers every fence type, every cost factor, and when to hire it out vs. do it yourself.
Fence Removal Pricing by Type — Charlottesville, VA
| Fence Type | Cost Per Linear Foot | 100 ft Job Total (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy fence | $3–$6/ft | $300+ | Most common type. Weight and panel size vary. |
| Chain link fence | $2–$4/ft | $200+ | Lighter but awkward. Posts often cemented deep. |
| Vinyl/PVC fence | $2.50–$5/ft | $250+ | Panels often interlock. Post spacing matters. |
| Metal ornamental fence | $2–$4.50/ft | $200+ | Heavy per foot. Welds may need cutting. |
| Split rail fence | $1.50–$3.50/ft | $150+ | Posts rarely cemented. Fastest to remove. |
| Picket fence | $2–$4/ft | $200+ | Varies widely by age and material. |
Prices are for labor and haul-away of all fence materials. Post concrete footing removal is quoted separately by count (see below).
The Post Footing Question: This Is What Drives Cost
The biggest single variable in fence removal cost is what's underground. There are two options:
Option 1: Cut at Grade (Faster, Lower Cost)
We cut each post flush at ground level using a reciprocating saw or angle grinder. The concrete footing stays in the ground. This is the default and preferred option for most homeowners who aren't installing new fencing or doing landscaping right away. The concrete footing is buried and out of sight. Cost: included in the standard per-foot pricing.
Option 2: Full Post Extraction (Slower, Higher Cost)
We excavate around each post and pull the full concrete footing. This is the right call if you're installing new fencing immediately, doing major landscaping, or the new project requires a completely clear area. Cost: $30–$50 per post in addition to per-foot pricing. A 100-foot fence with posts every 8 feet has approximately 13 posts — that's $390+ in extraction labor on top of panel removal.
💡 For most homeowners: Cut at grade. The old footing buried 18–24 inches underground won't affect a new lawn, landscaping, or new fence installation (new posts go between old footings). Only do full extraction if you know exactly what's going there next.
You MUST Call 811 Before Full Post Extraction
Virginia law requires calling 811 at least three business days before any digging. Underground utilities — gas, electric, water, cable — are frequently within 2–3 feet of fence posts in residential yards. Hitting a gas line while post-digging is a genuine danger. Calling 811 is free, takes 5 minutes, and markers show up within 3 business days. We remind every customer before any digging job. For cut-at-grade jobs (no digging required), calling 811 is not legally required but always good practice.
Call 811 at any time or go to call811.com.
How Long Does Fence Removal Take?
| Fence Length | Cut-at-Grade | Full Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| 50 linear feet | 1–2 hours | 2–4 hours |
| 100 linear feet | 2–3 hours | 4–6 hours |
| 200 linear feet | 4–5 hours | 1 full day |
| 300+ linear feet | Full day | 1–2 days |
DIY Fence Removal vs. Hiring a Crew
When DIY Makes Sense
- Split rail or old picket fence with shallow, non-cemented posts
- You have a truck or trailer to haul the materials
- The fence is short (under 50 linear feet)
- You have several people and a weekend free
- No cemented posts
When Hiring Is Worth It
- Any fence with posts in concrete (almost all vinyl, ornamental, most wood)
- You don't have a truck or dumpster for materials
- Fence over 100 linear feet
- Chain link with cemented posts (posts are murder to extract)
- You need it done fast and clean
- Any old fence with deteriorating wood where panel handling is messy
What Happens to Old Fence Materials?
Old fencing is mostly wood and metal. We separate materials on-site: solid wood panels that are in decent condition go to donation or reuse where possible. Scrap metal (chain link, ornamental iron, post hardware) goes to metal recycling facilities. Deteriorated wood goes to appropriate disposal. We donate before we dispose on every job.
Combine Fence Removal with Other Jobs
Fence removal is almost always combined with something else — a yard cleanup, a shed demolition, a garage cleanout, new fence installation prep. We handle all of it in one visit. Common combos:
- Fence + yard debris haul — posts, panels, plus accumulated brush piles
- Fence + shed demolition — clearing the whole back yard
- Fence + deck removal — full outdoor structure clearance
Tell us everything when you call and we'll price the combo job together. Usually more economical than separate trips. See: Exterior Structure Demolition
Quick Answers
❓ How much does fence removal cost in Charlottesville VA?
Wood privacy fence removal costs $3–$6 per linear foot with Albemarle Moving and Junk Removal. Chain link costs $2–$4/ft. A typical 100-ft fence runs $300+ total. Concrete post extraction is $30+ extra per post. Call 434-230-4551.
❓ Do you need to call 811 before fence removal in Virginia?
You must call 811 at least 3 business days before any digging for post extraction in Virginia. Cutting posts at grade (leaving concrete underground) does not require calling 811 but is still recommended. 811 is free and takes 5 minutes. Visit call811.com.
❓ Who removes fences in Charlottesville VA?
Albemarle Moving and Junk Removal removes all types of fences throughout Charlottesville and Central Virginia. Pricing starts at $1.50/ft for split rail and $3/ft for wood privacy. Post extraction available. Call 434-230-4551 for a same-day quote.
Ready to Schedule?
Call 434-230-4551 — same-day often available. No deposits.