Davis Agriculture Services: Professional Fence Installation Serving Dublin, VA 24084

The main cause is the area’s dense clay and rocky subsoil. When post holes are dug by hand or with small augers, they often aren’t deep or wide enough, and rocks prevent the post from seating firmly. Over time, freeze-thaw cycles and rain loosen the soil, causing the post to tilt. Professional excavation with a mini-excavator or backhoe removes rocks and compacts the base, giving the post a solid, level foundation.

Look for posts that wobble, lean, or have cracked concrete around the base. Gaps between the fence and ground, or sections that sag, indicate the footings have shifted. If you notice water pooling around posts after rain, the soil may be too compacted or poorly drained. These signs mean the original hole wasn’t properly excavated, and re-digging with trenching equipment will solve the issue.

Trench digging creates a continuous, straight channel for fence footings or for running utilities like electric wire for gates. For agricultural fences, a trench allows you to set a gravel base or pour a continuous concrete footing, which prevents individual posts from shifting. It also makes it easier to install woven wire or board fences on uneven ground, because the trench can be dug to follow the slope, keeping the fence line level.