Inside the Fence: How Homeowners May Be Unknowingly Damaging Williamsburg Settlement’s Biggest Asset
In Williamsburg Settlement, maintaining the community’s perimeter fence isn’t just about keeping up appearances — it’s about protecting home values and preserving one of the neighborhood’s most important shared assets.
According to Board Member Dave Ellis, “The fence is the Association’s major and most costly asset,” and it receives regular inspections and care to ensure it remains structurally sound and visually appealing for years to come.
The fence responsibility was formally assumed by the HOA Board back in 1992 through a resident vote and legal process. Since then, all but a few perimeter property owners have signed fence easement agreements, allowing the Association to manage and maintain the structure consistently across the neighborhood. A full fence replacement was completed starting in 2015, and current efforts are focused on preservation to delay the need for another large-scale replacement.
Recent inspections revealed minor and moderate damage in several areas. Board members will handle minor repairs like picket replacement, while more extensive work — such as replacing posts and support structures — will be managed by professional contractors.
But not all deterioration starts outside the fence. In fact, much of it comes from inside residents’ yards. Vines, tree limbs, bushes, and roots growing too close to or on the fence can cause warping, shifting, and rot over time.
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“Most of the premature deterioration results from vegetation growth inside the fence,” said Ellis. “The responsibility for removing this vegetation resides with the resident.”
To help, the Association funds mowing along the outer perimeter and regularly trims overhanging vegetation from outside. However, growth coming from within a resident’s yard is up to the homeowner to manage. When a potential issue is found, Crest Management will notify the resident in accordance with deed restrictions and fence easement agreements.
Within the next few weeks, the HOA will be addressing Association-responsible repairs. Residents who receive letters are encouraged to take prompt action on their end. Doing so helps prevent further damage, supports overall neighborhood curb appeal, and extends the life of the fence — ultimately protecting everyone’s investment.
For more details or to view the full perimeter fence policy, visit the Association’s website.
And as always, thank you to every homeowner doing their part to keep Williamsburg Settlement beautiful.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more Williamsburg Settlement community updates and neighborhood insights.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
