Inspect and Treat Wood Fence

A wood fence that isn't maintained will rot from the ground up, starting with the posts. Inspect every fall and treat every 2–3 years (or when water no longer beads on the surface). Inspection: Walk the entire fence line. Check each post at ground level — press a screwdriver into the base of each post; if it sinks more than 1/4 inch, the post is rotting and needs replacement. A leaning post that still feels solid can often be re-plumbed by digging around the base and backfilling with dry concrete mix. Check boards for cracking, splintering, and rot. Replace individual boards as needed — they're cheaper than replacing the whole fence. Check that all fence hardware (hinges, latches, screws) is tight and rust-free. Treatment: Clean the fence with a wood cleaner or diluted bleach solution to kill mold and gray weathered wood. Let it dry for at least 48 hours. Apply a penetrating wood stain/sealer with UV protection — transparent stains allow the wood grain to show while providing good UV and moisture protection. Use a brush for pickets and a roller for large flat sections. Two thin coats are better than one thick coat. For pressure-treated wood (greenish tint), wait at least one year after installation before staining to let it fully dry and accept sealant.