How to Remove a Fence Post
Sometimes, when you’re trying to find out more about fencing, one of the things you need to know is how to remove a fence post.
Maybe you’ve got a fence post that’s rusted or rotted, that you need to replace. Or maybe you’re planning to install a new fence or do some building or landscaping, and you need to get an old post out of the way.
The good news is that there are several answers to the question of how to remove a fence post. Here are your options.
Option 1: Cut It Off
The first option we have to answer the question of how to remove a fence post is to cut it off. This only works if you don’t need to install a new post in the same place, and where you won’t be left with a large hole when the remaining post rots or corrodes.
Cutting off posts can also be quite tricky, particularly if it’s a heavy steel post. You might need to use various kinds of saws or even a cutting torch to cut off the post. If you choose this method to remove a fence post, you also want to cut the post off as close to the top of the concrete base or dirt it’s installed in. Otherwise, you’ll be creating a new hazard to deal with!
This also works if you have a fence that has been installed through a surface like asphalt or a concrete slab, and you want to avoid damaging it.
Option 2: Excavate It
If you have a fence post with a very large concrete base, sometimes the answer to the question of how to remove a fence post is simply to excavate the whole thing.
This can be an expensive option if you have to hire equipment to do the job, but since it can be very difficult to remove fence posts with large concrete bases (they act like anchors!) it might be the only option you have.
Option 3: Pull the Post
The final answer to the question of how to remove a fence post is to pull it.
There are several ways to do this. Some fence companies use chains and heavy equipment to pull fence posts out of the ground, while others might use a special piece of equipment known as a post puller. There are several types that you can rent or purchase if you need to remove many fence posts.
Of course, it’s a lot easier to pull posts that have been pounded or buried in dirt than one that has a concrete footing, so be sure the tools you have available match the size and scope of the problem!
Things to Remember When You Remove Fence Posts
Now that you know a few answers to the question of how to remove fence posts, there are a few things you should remember.
First, if you do pull the post with the base, or excavate it, you will need to fill and compact the hole as soon as possible. If you’re installing a new post in the hole, you can do that too. However, it’s important to remember that open excavations on any construction site are a big hazard, and if someone hurts themselves or damages their property on an uncovered excavation, you could be liable for some hefty expenses related to the incident.
The next thing you should remember is that it’s not always so easy to dispose of fence posts when you remove them. Many local dump sites have different areas for different materials, so you might need to dump concrete in one place and wood or steel in another.
If you are removing several fence posts, you might also be able to cut them off and sell them to a scrap metal dealer. But make sure you have a plan before you start removing posts!
Many fence companies will include fence removal in their quote if you ask them to, and unless you only want to remove one or two fence posts, this might be something that’s best left to the pros!
