I'm looking to install a garden fence around my backyard, which measures about 25'x13'. I'll be using 11 4x4 posts primarily for aesthetic reasons since there's already a yard fence to keep out bunnies. I'm uncertain about how to secure these posts—I've heard concrete might be excessive for this, and some folks are suggesting anchor spikes. I've never worked with anchor spikes before, and I've come across mixed reviews online, particularly relating to gardens. How exactly do you install these spikes? Do I just push them into the ground? I'm leaning towards something that lasts long but is also easier to remove or move around if we ever change things up in the yard or sell the house. Budget isn't a big concern here.
2 Answers
Anchor spikes are definitely easier to install and take out compared to concrete. I've been using them for my fence, and after around 6 or 7 years, they've held up well. Just a tip: I hammered them in with a sledgehammer using a leftover piece of 4x4 to help. If your fence won't have solid panels but rather chicken wire, you should be fine! If you lived in a windy area or had loose soil, I'd suggest a more robust solution though.
An option you might consider is digging holes for the posts and using crushed stone to hold them in place. It's less hassle than concrete and gives solid support. I did this for a fence 15 years ago, and it’s still sturdy. A friend who works with utility poles taught me this method, and it works like a charm!
Thanks for the insight! We're going for chicken wire, so it sounds like the spikes could work well for us.