The Fence Post

Check another project off the list.  We installed a fence across the north side yard over the weekend.  This sets up a space to build new planting beds along the fence in the front and back yards, which is why the fence panels are raised off the ground about 10 inches.

The "new" steel fence was purchased off Craigslist in excellent condition because the family installed a pool and needed a privacy fence.  We have found so many good deals on Craigslist.


This was the last piece of old fence and it had definitely seen better days.

There was a notch in the old gate for this tree limb which is headed for daylight around the corner of the house.  It is not deformed or falling down, that's just what live oaks do, growing horizontally as needed.

Hello big limb.  We are still debating about cutting the limb off since it is in the way when you go through the gate.  Trees are so special here, especially these sculptural live oaks so it takes a lot to cut a limb like this.  The wood gate was so heavy it dragged the ground.

This is so much better.  The gate is easy to open and the limb is propped up with a stick for now.  We'll see how long this lasts.  We'd like to save the branch because it adds character.  It's not fun to hit your head on it though, as DH will attest.

Installing the posts requires concrete.   Mr. R recommends putting a small amount of water in the wheelbarrow first prior to adding the dry concrete mix to make it easier to get the water incorporated.  Mix to a consistency that can be shoveled into the holes, so not too runny.

We set the two end posts first using concrete chunks from the old fence to hold them in place and fill the holes.  Use a level to make sure the post is straight and brace it to stay in place.  After setting the first two posts we waited a few days to make sure they were solidly set before proceeding.

This type of fence is easy to install and the 8' panels and 3' gate fit right into the existing holes.  No small consideration because digging in our rocky soil is not easy.  It's easier to put the fence posts with panels attached in place in their empty holes to ensure a proper fit.  The panels have a certain amount of adjustment built in, but only before the concrete dries.  Here they are held in place with rocks and old concrete chunks after leveling prior to filling the holes with concrete.

 
We made further adjustments while the concrete was still wet. 

The concrete doesn't have to be pretty as it will be covered with dirt.  The fence panels hook on to brackets with bolts.  The height can be adjusted along the length of the post and the bolt holes allow for a small adjustment in length making the process easy.

We set the fence panels high to allow the planting bed to run right under it.  They are easily adjusted for height if we choose to make changes.  I like the view through to the front so much better and I can plant under the Red-tip Photinia now that light can get through in what was a very dark area before.



We had installed this same fencing between the garage and the house last year.  Now the two sides of the yard match.

On to the rest of our list, racing the calendar to get big projects completed before it gets too hot.  Next up is extending the perennial border around the buffalo grass lawn.

 That includes a truckload of dirt for the new beds.  Yippee.