Wood fences remain popular for their classic beauty, with many varieties featuring sturdy panels that provide privacy, security, and safety benefits. If you recently had this type of fence installed or will soon, preventing wood rot is a maintenance must. To help you enjoy a durable fence, learn more about this issue and what you can do about it here. 

What Causes Wood Rot?

Wood rot is actually a type of fungal disease. It consists of microscopic fungi that break down dead tree cellulose content. They are nature's way of cleaning forests so they're not full of dead trees. For these breakdowns to occur, the wood must be continually wet or damp, with moisture a necessary component for most fungal diseases to thrive. 

Softwoods, such as Douglas fir and pine, are more susceptible to rot than hardwoods like cedar, redwood, and oak. Hardwoods are, therefore, ideal for fence installations because they are more challenging for rot to break down. 

How Can You Protect Your Fence? 

To protect your wood fence from rot, have it pressure-treated with anti-fungus and insect chemicals. These chemicals penetrate wood fibers to create a more durable material. You can also purchase fencing that has undergone chemical treatment to protect it against rot, and line fence posts with small gravel to encourage rainwater drainage. 

Other preventative measures include installing the fence in well-draining soil, since waterlogged soil creates conditions for rot. Perform a soil test prior to installation, and amend the soil with sand if it features high clay contact, since clay does not drain well. Compacted soil also prevents efficient drainage, so schedule core aeration services if compaction is an issue. 

Keep your irrigation system or sprinklers away from the fence to discourage rot, and do not plant around it for the same reason. 

For quality wood fence installation services, trust the team at All American Fence in Spencerport, NY. These fence contractors provide residents throughout Rochester, Corning, Geneva, Batavia, and the surrounding areas with a wide variety of materials to select from, and use wet concrete to install fence posts for extra durability and security. Call (585) 352-8370 today for a free estimate, or visit the contractors online for additional service information.