Fence Builders La Crosse WI | Call Lovejoy Fence

The most common cause is frost heave, where moisture in the soil freezes and expands, pushing posts upward. La Crosse's freeze-thaw cycles, especially in clay-heavy soils common near the river, exacerbate this. Shallow-set posts (less than 4 feet deep) are especially prone to shifting.

Look for leaning posts, gaps between pickets, cracked rails, or sagging gates. Also check for loose concrete around post bases or rot at the ground line. After heavy snow, inspect for broken sections from snow load or falling ice from nearby roofs.

Installing posts at least 4 feet deep—below the frost line—with a concrete collar that extends above ground to shed water. Using galvanized brackets to attach wood posts above concrete prevents rot. For existing fences, we can install helical piers or metal stake anchors to stabilize leaning posts.