Expert Commercial Fencing in Bay Shore, NY 11706 - Babylon Fence

Frost heave is the primary cause. When moisture in the soil freezes, it expands and pushes posts upward or sideways. Bay Shore’s freeze-thaw cycles, especially in winter, make this common for posts set too shallow or without proper drainage.

Look for soft, spongy wood near the ground line, discoloration, or mushrooms growing at the base. A post that wobbles easily even when the surrounding ground is firm often indicates internal rot. We recommend a screwdriver test: if it sinks more than 1/4 inch into the wood, rot is likely present.

We remove the damaged post and dig out any rotted debris. For frost heave, we set new posts below the frost line (typically 36-42 inches deep in Bay Shore) and use concrete collars or gravel drainage to reduce water buildup. For rot, we replace the affected section with pressure-treated or rot-resistant materials like cedar or vinyl.