Had a post hole collapse on me in wet clay last week

Was setting a 6-foot cedar fence line in Springfield, got about 8 holes deep when the sides of the ninth one just slumped in. The clay was like soup after the rain. I had to stop, dig out the whole mess, and line it with a sleeve of heavy-duty landscape fabric before I could set the post. Added maybe 45 minutes to the job, but it held solid. Anyone have a better trick for wet soil that doesn't involve buying those plastic forms?

3 comments

3 Comments

robert_lopez6421d ago

Try using a post hole digger to pull out most of the mud, then drop a section of old metal fence post into the hole. Pound it down into the firmer soil below to make a sleeve. You can set your wood post right inside it. The metal keeps the wet clay from squeezing in and it costs nothing if you have scrap lying around. I've done this for years in my soggy backyard and it beats buying anything. Just make sure the metal tube is a bit wider than your post.

the_sage21d ago

Ever try a sonotube cut short?

cora86319d ago

That's a solid hack, honestly. My last attempt at a short sonotube looked like a sad, crumbly mushroom. The whole thing just kind of... melted. Clay here is no joke. Your metal sleeve idea is way smarter than buying more stuff. Might have to try that next time instead of my usual mess.