Getting fence posts into an awkward space

[louisbean]

Hi all

Hi all, any ideas on how to approach getting some new fencing up here?

It’s my first time with a fence and I’m mainly wondering about how to get the footings for the posts in - I haven’t tried but I’m guessing that digging holes for footings where those tree roots are will be a real challenge. I do have an SDS drill which I guess may help.

For where the little brick store is I was thinking about just attaching the posts directly to it. It’s very solid indeed.

Any advice welcome!

 

[aveatry]

Get one of these - it will cut through roots when digging

https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-17lb-post-hole-digger/62496?tc=FT4&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22599672207&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzOvEBhDVARIsADHfJJQtlrRPwFAYaomWj4To2D7RKd9sVmFAQKamYJcpK_H-KdPlBz6jS1MaAhkgEALw_wcB

The other end has a flattened ball for tamping down.

Then one of these for lifting out the soil

 

[louisbean]

Very helpful - thanks! We are having a go and have bought the tool you suggested - it’s long and slow but we’re getting there!

 

[aveatry]

Very helpful - thanks! We are having a go and have bought the tool you suggested - it’s long and slow but we’re getting there!

that thing is a beast -its own weight will do all the work and it will be useful for other jobs that you do not yet know

 

[Murdochcat]

If the small brick building isn’t yours you can’t fix anything to it

 

[louisbean]

It’s my neighbour’s and she’s fine with it.

 

[KentExpert]

I'm sure you are already on to it but after you have loosened the soil using the post hole digger above. The following will allow you to get the soil out of the hold without making a large hole. Hope it is going well.

 

[HERTS P&D]

I would suggest you use concrete posts and not timber ones.

Andy

 

[JohnAnderson1]

Digging near tree roots is tricky a digging bar and sharp spade will help more than an SDS drill. For the brick store, fixing posts with proper masonry bolts should be fine if the wall is solid. Don’t forget drainage at the base of the posts.

 

[aveatry]

I'm sure you are already on to it but after you have loosened the soil using the post hole digger above. The following will allow you to get the soil out of the hold without making a large hole. Hope it is going well.

View attachment 389747

I linked to that but its broken.

 

[louisbean]

Thanks all - going well so far and have taken note regarding the tools.

Fixing to the coal store has worked really well!

The roots haven’t been too much of an issue - it’s more our soil is incredibly crumbly and hard. But we’re getting there

Appreciate the advice!

 

[aveatry]

It may be just me that when I dig a fence post hole I dont leave it round like the soil remover tool leaves it but I square it off, the reason being is that I have seen posts twist in the hole over the years. - Might just be my OCD though

 

[Deluks]

It may be just me that when I dig a fence post hole I dont leave it round like the soil remover tool leaves it but I square it off, the reason being is that I have seen posts twist in the hole over the years. - Might just be my OCD though

Unlikely, unless you are in some very funky clay, or it could be the timber post twisting as it dries out?

 

[aveatry]

Unlikely, unless you are in some very funky clay, or it could be the timber post twisting as it dries out?

It is clay. Not my fence but neighbours. Concrete posts I remember them going in and all was fine. I know some are twisted because I fitted new panels into the old post a couple of years ago for them.

 

[Munroast]

It may be just me that when I dig a fence post hole I dont leave it round like the soil remover tool leaves it but I square it off, the reason being is that I have seen posts twist in the hole over the years. - Might just be my OCD though

the rails should stop a fence post twisting (i doubt the base would twist anyway, may be you seen some torsional warping but the block in the ground would not move)

the reason you want a square hole is that it is less likely to move sideways - think about the purpose the concrete plug is performing

as to the OP - with al those roots in the ground and the driveway on the other side - I would just form the hole with a metal bar (old half shafts are good) and then drive the post in with a sledge hammer - no concrete need for a fence there