Fence Post Rotting
Fence posts that are soft, crumbling, or breaking at ground level where they enter the soil.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Untreated timber in contact with damp soil
- 2Poor drainage around the post base
- 3Post not set in concrete or gravel, trapping moisture
How Urgent Is This?
This should be fixed in the coming weeks. Leaving it may allow the problem to worsen and cost more to repair.
What Needs to Be Done
A fencing specialist will dig out the rotten post, set a new pressure-treated post in concrete, and reattach the fence panels.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £57 – £163 | Materials: £47 – £210
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Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
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Ask a QuestionHow to Prevent This
Use pressure-treated or tanalised posts. Set posts in concrete with a slight mound to shed water. Apply fence treatment annually.
Related Problems
Other Fencing Specialist Problems
One or more fence panels have blown out of position or fallen flat during strong winds.
The fence is leaning noticeably to one side along part or all of its length.
A garden gate that drags on the ground, does not latch, or swings open on its own.
A fence damaged by branches falling from a tree, roots lifting the posts, or the trunk pushing against the fence.