Tip #16
Fences and Shutters (continued)
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Pg. 1-3, Pg 4-6

Fence Wood Selection

Wood Selection and Treatment - Locust is the traditional favorite for fenceposts. An untreated locust post will last half a century in the ground, but its availability is limited. Redwood and cedar are more available; they both resist decay; and they weather nicely with no need for painting. There are also several brands of pressure-treated wood made especially for outdoor projects that are usually available at your lumber store. And properly treated, pine fenceposts can last for many years.

To treat your own posts, select a good preservative. Tar is not recommended - it seals the wood, preventing the posts from breathing the ground moisture and actually speeds decay. Pentachiorophenol or "penta" is the most widely used wood preservative, but it's harmful to garden plants and may be a health hazard. The safest, most effective preservative we have found is copper naphthenate.

Mix up your preservative in a large trash can, filling it just a few inches deeper than the posts will be sunk into the ground. Cut the post stock 6" to 12" oversize and stack them in the can to soak for a day or two, It's not necessary to treat the part of the post that will sit above the ground or the other parts of the fence, but we do suggest you soak all untreated fenceposts, even redwood and cedar.

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