Building a Fence That Handles Maine Weather

Materials get most of the attention, but in Maine the site and the post work decide how a fence looks in year ten.

Frost and freeze-thaw

Ground movement through the winter is the number one cause of leaning fences here. Post depth and proper backfill are the defense.

Snow

Snow load, plow piles and roof runoff all push on a fence. Layout should account for where snow goes.

Rocky soil and ledge

Common across much of Maine. It can change post placement and method, and it's something we look for during the estimate.

Drainage and wet ground

Standing water accelerates rot on wood and can soften footings. Sometimes the fix is moving the fence line a few feet.

Trees and roots

Roots limit where posts can go. Working around them beats cutting through them.