Question:
We have heavy clay soils - should I mix in some #57 with
the native soil during fence post backfill, use #57 for most of it, or just use and tamp
the native soil (no rock)? I have read where it is recommended to at least put a few
inches of rock in the bottom of the fence post hole, but then varying opinions of whether
or not to use rock in the backfill mix. Should gravel be used for fence posts,
specifically western red cedar split rail posts?
Applicable Products:
Wood Fence/ Split Rail Fence
Reply:
Thank you for your interest in our site and products. Most
professional fence installers/ contractors do not use gravel when backfilling and tamping
western red cedar posts (split rail fences and traditional picket fences) in place. I
believe this is typically due to it not being readily available on the job site. For those
wanting a better installation, we do recommend gravel at least under the post as this will
allow a place for water to drain to, away from your post which causes them to rot
prematurely. Some soil compositions are not fence post friendly, or are extremely wet. We
have often needed to truck in gravel to tamp under, and around fence posts. Gravel can
serve two purposes, drainage and stability.
Related Products:
Wood Fence and Accessories:
http://www.hooverfence.com/wood/index.htm
Western Red Cedar Split Rail:
http://www.hooverfence.com/wood/cedar-split-rail.htm
Fence Post Tamping Tools:
http://www.hooverfence.com/tools/digger-tamper.htm
http://www.hooverfence.com/tools/structron-tamper.htm
Updated 10/16/09
