[reynoldstwo]

Best way to remove wooden fence posts?
April

[ballengerb1]

Is it set in concrete or what? Is it in nice area or out in a pasture? In my rural area we frequently just cut them off flush at the ground with a chain saw.

[reynoldstwo]

It is in soil now, in my backyard-subdivision. My husband and I are putting in a new wooden fence with new wooden fenceposts. It was suggested to me that we should put some gravel in covered by cement. No problem there. So is there an easy way to remove the fenceposts?

[ballengerb1]

Not completely easy since most posts are down about 36-42". I am not clear what yoyu meant by "It was suggested to me that we should put some gravel in covered by cement" did someone says this is how to cover over a cut off post or to install a new one? To remove an old post you first start by rocking it back and forth. This can take some time but you can make the hole bigger the more you rock the post. Once it is loosened you can rent or borrow a farm jack Dock & Truck Equipment | Trailer Stabilizers & Jacks | Reese Towpower® 48" Farm Jack | B572985 - GlobalIndustrial.com and put a chain around the post and start jacking. You want to avoid installing your new fence is the same holes.

[reynoldstwo]

Install the new one. I presume that since the hole may be larger due to the removal of the old fence post, that would be why you had mentioned "You want to avoid installing your new fence is the exact same holes."
Am I correct with that? I do not know anyone with a farm jack. Probably could rent one. Trying to be more cost effective.

[hkstroud]

Rocking the post back and forth in both directions will enlarge the hole. The only problem is that it will enlarge at the top and the bottom only. At the point between the top and bottom where the post pivots the hole will not be enlarged and will act as a seal. Trying to pull the post up creates a vacuum in the bottom of the hole. Plus you don't have much of a grip on the post when trying to pull by hand.

Obtain a 8 to 10 "C" clamp, an 8 foot 2x4 and a cement block. Cut off about 1' of 2x4 and place on top of cement block sitting about 6 to 12 inches from post. Clamp "C" clamp to post as shown and "lever" the post out of the ground with the 2x4 turned on narrow side.

[reynoldstwo]

Thank you so much! Wonderful to have someone as knowledegdable as you appear to be, answer my question. Thank you again.

[reynoldstwo]

Hello again. This time I am including images along with a new question; I do hope the 2 attachments will show when you view this.This is my backyard fence and I am wondering how you in your intellegent landscaping opion, you would go about fixing this fence. My husband and I would like to replace it. The soil has eroded and will contiue to do so with future rains, it washes down into the canal-ish culvert.

[ballengerb1]

I would not spend the time or money trying to fix this fence, replace as you mentioned in your first post

[reynoldstwo]

Looks like my husband and I will replace the fence as was the original thought, thank you for your assistance.