I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
hard time digging out the remains of the old post. I've gotten down
about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
ground. Is that enough? I've been reading that I should use gravel as
a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
enough to hold it?

On Sep 21, 11:30*am, Joe wrote:
I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
hard time digging out the remains of the old post. I've gotten down
about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
ground. Is that enough? I've been reading that I should use gravel as
a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
enough to hold it?

Many places 1/3 is the rule, some more some less, it depends on the
stress that the fence may get (holding up a gate, or having kids climb
the fence or containing large animals. It also depends on the local
soil conditions. It is always a good idea to have several or more
inches of gravel in the bottom of the hole to allow drainage and
reduce rot.

Joe wrote in news:ff066aa5-b6a4-4117-b0eb-
:

I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
hard time digging out the remains of the old post. I've gotten down
about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
ground. Is that enough? I've been reading that I should use gravel as
a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
enough to hold it?

Just hope you called the free utility marking service before digging. Even
though only 18", in milder climates, CTV and water can be close to the
surface. As long as you call and they mark it, if you hit something heeding
the markings it's no $ to you.

On Sun, 21 Sep 2008 08:30:40 -0700 (PDT), Joe
wrote:

I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
hard time digging out the remains of the old post. I've gotten down
about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
ground. Is that enough? I've been reading that I should use gravel as
a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
enough to hold it?


The post needs to be below the frost line if you want to avoid the
freeze-thaw upheaving. Put a 2" layer of gravel in the hole before
placing in the post.

In article ,
Red Green wrote:

Joe wrote in news:ff066aa5-b6a4-4117-b0eb-
:

I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
hard time digging out the remains of the old post. I've gotten down
about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
ground. Is that enough? I've been reading that I should use gravel as
a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
enough to hold it?

Just hope you called the free utility marking service before digging. Even
though only 18", in milder climates, CTV and water can be close to the
surface. As long as you call and they mark it, if you hit something heeding
the markings it's no $ to you.

Yes, and the utilities just love to come along in the middle of the
night and bury stuff right under old fence posts.

Smitty Two wrote:

Yes, and the utilities just love to come along in the middle of the
night and bury stuff right under old fence posts.


LOL !!!


Andy in Eureka, Texas

On Sep 21, 11:30*am, Joe wrote:
I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
hard time digging out the remains of the old post.

I'm sure. You might rent a little two-man auger and auger a hole next
to it, or put an old chain on a saw and cut it into pieces.

I've gotten down
about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
ground. Is that enough?

Sounds like a decorative fence, that should make it last until you're
dead. If you have livestock and they lean into it it'll last maybe a
week.

I've been reading that I should use gravel as
a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
enough to hold it?

A couple inches of gravel in the bottom will aid drainage, tamping ALL
the dirt back into the hole should hold it until you're past post
replacement age.
-----

- gpsman

On Sep 23, 10:27 am, gpsman wrote:
On Sep 21, 11:30 am, Joe wrote:

I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
hard time digging out the remains of the old post.

I'm sure. You might rent a little two-man auger and auger a hole next
to it, or put an old chain on a saw and cut it into pieces.

I've gotten down
about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
ground. Is that enough?

Sounds like a decorative fence, that should make it last until you're
dead. If you have livestock and they lean into it it'll last maybe a
week.

I've been reading that I should use gravel as
a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
enough to hold it?

A couple inches of gravel in the bottom will aid drainage, tamping ALL
the dirt back into the hole should hold it until you're past post
replacement age.
-----

- gpsman

how about along the sides at well, will that enhance the life of the
post? I noticed a bunch of tree and bush roots had made their way
through the old post.

On Sep 23, 12:32 pm, Joe wrote:
On Sep 23, 10:27 am, gpsman wrote:



On Sep 21, 11:30 am, Joe wrote:

I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
hard time digging out the remains of the old post.

I'm sure. You might rent a little two-man auger and auger a hole next
to it, or put an old chain on a saw and cut it into pieces.

I've gotten down
about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
ground. Is that enough?

Sounds like a decorative fence, that should make it last until you're
dead. If you have livestock and they lean into it it'll last maybe a
week.

I've been reading that I should use gravel as
a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
enough to hold it?

A couple inches of gravel in the bottom will aid drainage, tamping ALL
the dirt back into the hole should hold it until you're past post
replacement age.
-----

- gpsman

how about along the sides at well, will that enhance the life of the
post? I noticed a bunch of tree and bush roots had made their way
through the old post.

Eh, there are different schools of thought. I'm a "no concrete" guy.
Posts are temporary, they are going to need replacement, no matter
what, even if they're locust.

I like to keep it simple.
-----

- gpsman

I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
hard time digging out the remains of the old post. I've gotten down
about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
ground. Is that enough?

Yes

I've been reading that I should use gravel
as a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be
good enough to hold it?

Either will hold it..the gravel helps the water drain away and hopefully
keeps the post drier that dirt backfill.
I cant recall seeing WHAT type of post you intend to use. There are split
cedar posts (with holes thru them) that "match" the rail fences.
I hope you re not using them. Contrary to public opinion, CEDAR buried in
damp/wet soil makes a lousy post and well soon rot off.

On Sep 23, 8:03*am, Smitty Two wrote:
...


Yes, and the utilities just love to come along in the middle of the
night and bury stuff right under old fence posts.

Well the old fence post could have been buried shallow to avoid a
known utility. Going deeper now could result in problems. It is free
to call the utilities and let them mark it out.