How to Make a Pole Stand Up

Setting poles in the ground for fencing, signs, structures or other landscaping projects can be challenging, depending on the soil type and digging depth, but a well installed pole offers lasting benefits. Proper pole installation allows the pole and anything attached to it to better withstand the effects of wind, gravity and, in cooler climates, frost heave in the soil. Key aspects of pole or post installation include digging to the proper depth or making accommodations when a shallower hole depth is required and careful, thorough backfilling with a suitable material.

Post-hole digger
Shovel
Pry bar
Level
Backfill (sandy or gravelly material)
Concrete, if necessary

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a hole using the post-hole digger. The hole should be at least half the length of the pole or post. If concrete will be added, the hole should be bell-shaped with the bottom of the hole larger than the top. This will ensure that the pole will not be forced upwards when lateral pressure is applied.
- 2
  Place the pole in the center of the hole. Ensure that it is in line with any other poles, plumb and centered in the hole.
- 3
  Backfill the hole. If the soil type removed while digging has a large sand or gravel content, this material is suitable for backfilling. Avoid backfilling with clay or silt. Crushed, angular gravel is an ideal backfill material. Add about 5 inches of backfill at a time, tamp the material to compact it and check after each filling to ensure that the pole is still plumb and properly located.
- 4
  Stop backfilling with gravel or soil when there are only a few inches left in the hole, unless the appearance of gravel on the surface is desired.
- 5
  Fill the top few inches of the hole with topsoil and add vegetation, ornamental rocks or other features as desired.

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