Find composite fencing costs based on fence type, labor, and more in this guide. You can expect your project to cost $11 to $45 per linear foot.
How Much Does Silt Fence Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $415 - $2,075
Silt fence installation costs between $415 and $2,075, with most homeowners paying $835. A pro’s quote will mainly depend on the size of the fence.
How we get this data
Photo: TW Farlow / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: TW Farlow / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
The average cost to install a silt fence ranges from $2 to $8 per linear foot.
If you live in a rainy region that is prone to muddy conditions, choose a heavy-duty, wire-backed fence.
Trenching takes 3x as long to install a silt fence using the static slicing method, which will cost more.
A pro’s quote will usually include the cost to remove the silt fence at the end of the project.
The average silt fence installation cost is $835, which is $5 per linear foot. Costs range from $2 to $8 per linear foot, depending on the type of material and installation process. Given that silt fencing is ripped down at the end of a new build home project, it might seem like an unnecessary expense. However, this legal necessity and environmental protection measure is typically rolled into your contractor costs to build a new home.
Types
Silt fences vary in quality. If your build site won’t see much rain, is pretty clean, and construction is quick, you might be able to opt for a simpler, less durable plastic-backed silt fence. Heavier-duty, wide, wire-backed fence construction is a better investment for muddy sites in rainy regions with a long build time. Your contractor should advise you on what is best for your site.
| Silt Fence Type | Construction | Average Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | Medium durability | $3–$6 per linear foot |
| Type B | Low durability | $2–$4 per linear foot |
| Type C | High durability | $5–$8 per linear foot |
Size
The size of your building lot affects silt fence installation costs. If you're designing a grand multi-bedroom family home with sizable grounds, you’ll need much more fencing than a compact one-bedroom tiny house. The average U.S. home sits on a lot that’s around 1/5 acre.
Below are some common lot sizes and average cost ranges.
| Lot Size | Perimeter Length | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1/5 acre | 167 linear feet | $334–$1,336 |
| 1/4 acre | 208 linear feet | $416–$1,664 |
| 1/2 acre | 415 linear feet | $830–$3,320 |
| 1 acre | 835 linear feet | $1,670–$6,680 |
Installation Method
Traditional silt fence trench installation involves digging a trench to bury the fabric and stakes into the ground sufficiently. A modern static slicing method, which uses a blade to cut into the soil, is becoming more common as the process inserts the fencing at the same time. Trenching requires almost triple the time it takes to install a silt fence using the static slicing method, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This means trenching will invariably cost more.
Always ask your contractor what method they use and why. It will allow you to understand if reducing costs is an option.
Silt Fence Ongoing Expenses
Photo: Douglas / Adobe Stock
To avoid pricing surprises, know that additional silt fencing costs can come up due to maintenance and removal, even after the initial installation.
Maintenance
Contractors need to inspect silt fences throughout the construction project. These temporary structures are only designed to last five to eight months, tops. They can easily get torn or sag, especially during downpours and other inclement weather. If the damage is minimal, you can repair by restaking or replacing the posts or removing silt buildup. Occasionally, the fabric may be ripped beyond repair, requiring replacement of some or all of the silt fencing.
Always ask your contractor whether they cover silt fence repairs or replacements as part of the project costs to plan your budget accordingly.
Removal and Disposal
A contractor’s quote usually includes the cost of removing and disposing of silt fencing at the end of the project. You should still check this to avoid having to remove the silt fence yourself or pay an unexpected bill.
Why You Should Hire a Silt Fence Pro
It’s best to trust a local fencing pro with silt fencing projects, which requires some construction and technical aspects that are too challenging for DIYers.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a fence pro
When you’re planning a silt fence addition, here are the top reasons why you should hiring a local fencing contractor for the project:
Silt fences need plenty of depth to prevent erosion and other problems, which requires an excavator for trenching.
Pros can handle the hard labor of dealing with rocky or thick clay soil, as well as heavier materials for heavy-duty fences.
The pros can complete the project much faster thanks to professional-grade tools and plenty of experience.
Professionals will ensure the silt fence follows any local building codes.
If you want to DIY a silt fence
Here are the important things to keep in mind when attempting to DIY a silt fence:
DIYing a silt fence is best if it’s a relatively short fence to stop erosion.
For larger projects, you’ll need to rent an excavator or mini tractor with excavation attachments.
Consider hiring a landscaping expert for a consultation on where best to put the fence to stop erosion.
Consult your local building codes and permit regulations before starting the trenching.
Call 811 for more information and mark underground lines to avoid damage.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Measure around the future fence area so you can get an accurate price estimate from your fencing pro.
Ask the fencing pros about the project timeline so you can schedule and budget accordingly.
To save time, mark the nearby underground lines and pipes for the workers.
When the installation is ready to begin, clear a path around the silt fence area and make sure it’s accessible to tractors and materials.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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