How to Prevent Having to Trim Around a Fence

Dig a trench along the fence line 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep.

Fill the trench to 2 inches with pea gravel. A 4-inch depression will remain.

Fill the first 3 feet in length with 2 inches of construction sand, starting at the beginning of the trench. Smooth the sand level across the 3-foot length.

Press the first paver block into the sand vigorously. Start at the beginning of the fence line. The block should be about 1/4 inch above the level of the soil of the lawn. If not, take the block out, adjust the level of the sand and try it again. If the paver is seated correctly, move on to the next block. The weight of the paver and the settling of the material underneath it will move it down to be level with the soil over the course of a few weeks.

Add the next paver, leaving 1/4 inch between it and the first paver. Continue to add more sand and pavers until the length is complete.

Go back to the first pavers you laid and carefully dribble sand into the cracks between them. Sweep the sand between the pavers until any air pockets are gone. Continue to do so until all the pavers are complete. The sand and the gaps allow the pavers to shift with the weather without excessive buckling.