How to Repair a Leaning Fence Post

A leaning post can lead to a fallen fence.

If left untended, a leaning fence post can quickly lead to a leaning fence. Ideally you should try to repair a leaning fence post as soon as possible to maintain the integrity of the whole fence. Take a day to straighten your fence post for long-term correction and look over the other fence posts along the fence line that may also be leaning.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Wooden stakes or metal posts
• Rope or bailing twine
• Level
• Rubber mallet
• Concrete mix
• Old wheelbarrow or bucket

Instructions

1. Ask a friend hold the leaning post in place as it is. Dig down into the ground on the side opposite the lean (the post is pushing away from this side) 8 to 10 inches. Work around the post without jabbing the shovel blade into the wood.

2. Cut three to four pieces of rope or bailing twine to 5 feet long each. Tie an end of each rope to the post 3 feet off the ground and pull the ropes away from one another. Tie the opposite end of each rope to separate wooden stakes or metal posts.

3. Push the post forward, toward the dug-out side, to straighten it upright. Use a level to find the point where the post is level along the front and back of the fence as well as on each side with the level held on the fence.

4. Ask your friend hold the post level in place without letting this position of the post shift. Pull the stakes in opposite directions to add tension to the ropes. Set the stakes in the ground and use a mallet to secure the stakes in the ground.

5. Check the post with the level once more to ensure it is still straight. Adjust the stakes as needed to straighten it more until it is securely level.

6. Mix a bag of concrete mix according to the instructions on the packaging in an old wheelbarrow or bucket. Fill the hole around the post with concrete up to an inch below ground level. Leave the post tethered to the stakes and allow the concrete to harden and set up for at least 24 hours.

7. Cover over the hardened concrete and fill the last of the hole with the displaced soil from Step One. Pack the soil down and allow it to mound up around the base of the post 2 inches deep.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when adjusting the post that you don't disrupt the rest of the fence.

• If you are unsure of the area you are digging, then call 811 in the United States to have the ground marked for utility lines.

References

• "New Complete Guide to Landscaping"; Better Homes and Gardens; 2002
• "Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to Gardening"; Carroll C. Calkins; 1993