repair vs replace loose fence posts in soft soil

[Larissa]

I’ve recently moved to an existing horse property and am updating some items before bringing my guys home. One item I really want resolved is a leaning, wobbling fence along the back of a ~5 acre pasture. Husband and I have each done a good bit of outdoor work and construction but not self performed agricultural fencing.

The fence is wooden 3 board with half round posts, about 10-15 years old. Posts appear aged but solid, not rotted, just extra space in the holes. We’re on the west side of Frederick County, MD on soil identified as primarily silt loam. The area is on a bit of a downhill area near a creek and though not low lying, tends to stay damp and I think has contributed to the issue.

Husband is inclined to straighten the posts and insert a wedge or support in the holes. I am leaning towards replacing outright given the age, condition and the fact I own a sometime-cribber.

Were it you, what would be your preference? Advice on either route? I especially appreciate lessons learned the hard way

[Guilherme]

Go buy a “tamper” from your local co-op or TS. Then get a wheelbarrow full of dirt and a shovel. Fill in the space around the post and use the “tamper” to tamp down the dirt. You may end up doing this a couple of times as the soil settles. Rain will help that process.

It’s slow work but it does work.

G.

[Bluey]

@Guilherme

Go buy a “tamper” from your local co-op or TS. Then get a wheelbarrow full of dirt and a shovel. Fill in the space around the post and use the “tamper” to tamp down the dirt. You may end up doing this a couple of times as the soil settles. Rain will help that process.

It’s slow work but it does work.

G.

Good idea ^

One clarification, a tamper here is a tamping bar, a straight metal bar, to tamp dirt in holes and around posts.

Also a tamper is a tamping bar with a metal square welded on one end that tamps the ground flat, not what you need there.

You need the tamping bar, or an old pipe or in a pinch, the end of your shovel handle.
If using the last, don’t put too much dirt at the time, since the shovel handle won’t tamp as much as well as the bar can.

[Guilherme]

@Bluey

Good idea ^

One clarification, a tamper here is a tamping bar, a straight metal bar, to tamp dirt in holes and around posts.

Also a tamper is a tamping bar with a metal square welded on one end that tamps the ground flat, not what you need there.

You need the tamping bar, or an old pipe or in a pinch, the end of your shovel handle.
If using the last, don’t put too much dirt at the time, since the shovel handle won’t tamp as much as well as the bar can.

I’ve seen one variety with a small flat piece on one end and a “tapered tip” on the other end. You’re right, though, you do need the right tool for the job!!!

G.

[Simkie]

Unless you are ABSOLUTELY SURE that you’ll want that fence exactly where it is, repair it.

It’s amazing how living on a property for a few years changes your vision of it. If there’s any possibility that you may expand that pasture, or change the layout, don’t replace it now. Live with it for awhile. Get to know the property. It would suck to go to the expense and effort of replacing the whole thing only to realize in a year that you really want the fence line somewhere else.

[Garythesquirrel]

@Guilherme

I’ve seen one variety with a small flat piece on one end and a “tapered tip” on the other end.

G.

That’s what we have. It’s a very handy tool to have.

We fill post holes with gravel, such as 5/8" or 3/4" minus, but I suppose it depends on your soil.

[fourfillies]

I’m about 50 miles north of you. More clay here and a bit of the same issue because it has been SO WET. We’ve added crusher and tamped with good result.

[2DogsFarm]

For my “wiggly” posts, neighbor suggested pounding a t-post on either side (deeper than if the t-post was the sole support), then wiring the t-post to the wooden post.

I’m looking for used t-posts as I counted 48 line posts I need to reinforce.
Right now the $300+ for new ones is not in the budget & fence is sturdy enough so it’s not an immediate need.

[crosscreeksh]

@Guilherme

Go buy a “tamper” from your local co-op or TS. Then get a wheelbarrow full of dirt and a shovel. Fill in the space around the post and use the “tamper” to tamp down the dirt. You may end up doing this a couple of times as the soil settles. Rain will help that process.

It’s slow work but it does work.

G.

This…and/or buy a couple of bags of Sackrete and pour the dry stuff down along the post, put dry fill over the Sackrete, tamp the ground around the post. Moisture from the dirt will turn the Sackrete to hard cement and you’ll be good to go!

[Guilherme]

@Garythesquirrel

That’s what we have. It’s a very handy tool to have.

We fill post holes with gravel, such as 5/8" or 3/4" minus, but I suppose it depends on your soil.

I’ve wondered about this. Using small rock or crusher run seems to make sense but I’ve seen few people actually say they’ve tried it. If it does work reasonably well it would be a good practice to keep “on the shelf” if you ever need it.

G.