I’ve repaired enough fences in Olive Branch and Memphis to see a pattern. So, what is the #1 mistake most fence builders make?
Well, they set posts too shallow or without proper drainage.
And that mistake doesn’t show up immediately. It shows up two years later.
Why Post Depth Matters in Mississippi Soil
A fence that looks straight on install day can lean within a season. In DeSoto County and surrounding areas, we mainly deal with:
Expansive clay soil
Heavy rain cycles
Ground movement
Freeze-thaw shifts
If fence posts aren’t set deep enough — or properly supported — movement is inevitable. When a fence post moves (usually due to the water in the ground freezing and expanding), the entire fence does as well. Even if just one post is shallow!
What Proper Installation Looks Like
A quality Mississippi fence post, no matter the style fencing, should:
Be set below frost depth
Have proper drainage
Be secured in stable soil conditions
Use treated lumber rated for ground contact
I’ve seen too many fences fail because speed was prioritized over stability. I wouldn’t be out there fixing it if the installation would have been done properly.
It’s not about me trying to throw shade on other peoples work. If I set something incorrectly, it’s my responsibility to make it right!
How to Avoid This Costly Mistake
If you’re not well versed in construction and you’re hiring someone blind, it’s important to ask the right questions. Here are a few worth considering to avoid a bad result:
How deep are posts set?
What type of concrete mix is used?
Is gravel added for drainage?
Is lumber ground-contact rated?
If you’re building the fence yourself, don’t rush post setting. Lets be real; digging a hole ain’t fun. But digging up concrete is worse. So, take your time and find an extra set of hands if available.
Properly set fence posts are the key to a longstanding wooden row. No matter what your favorite YouTuber says. Every region of the country is different.
My Final Thoughts on Fencing.
The best piece of advice I can give you is this: Hire someone you are confident in (not feel confident in) and don’t do it yourself if you’re not comfortable. Planning a fence in Olive Branch or the Memphis metro area can be stressful. Using quality material can be tough. But its also worth it.
If you want your wooden fence to last, proper installation matters more than decorative trim.
