How to Set Posts for a Field Fence

Set fence posts securely to withstand use by livestock.

Fencing is commonly used around farms and ranches to keep livestock in designated areas. Wood posts are favored for this purpose by many individuals as they are durable and provide a secure means of supporting a variety of fencing materials, from wood to metal wire mesh. Installing or setting fence posts securely is necessary so that the fence will stand up to assaults from both livestock and harsh weather conditions, including winds and precipitation.

Things You'll Need

• Wood fence post
• Post hole diggers
• Shovel
• Gravel
• Tamp
• Level

Instructions

1. Choose a location for the fence post to be installed. Lay out the posts so that they are in a straight line with each other.

2. Determine how much of the fence will need to be set in the ground. Measure the desired height of the fence and transfer the measurement to the fence post. Begin at the smaller end of the wooden post and measure along its length. Observe the amount of post remaining that will not be used to support the fence; this section will need to be set in the ground.

3. Dig a hole with post hole diggers that will be deep enough to accommodate the length of wooden fence post to be inserted in the ground. Refer to the measurement from the previous step in which the measurement was taken to determine the amount of post that will not be used to support the fence. For example, if a post is 8 feet long and the wire fencing is 5 feet tall, the result is a length of 3 feet that can be installed in the ground.

4. Set the bottom of the wooden post in the center of the hole. Shovel 8 to 10 inches of dirt around the base of the post and tamp it down firmly. Pack the soil down firmly with a tamp or turn the shovel so the blade end is up and use the end of the handle to tamp down the soil.

5. Place a level on two different sides of the post and make adjustments as needed to level the wooden post.

6. Shovel in 2 to 3 inches of gravel around the post and tamp it down tightly. Continue alternating layers of dirt and gravel until the hole is filled. Tamp each layer down tightly.

References

• Fantastic Farms: Pasture Fence Field Put Up Guide