Tips for Digging Holes in Tree Roots for Fence Posts

When you’re installing a fence in your yard, you must drill holes into the ground for the posts. This provides stability for the structure. But what happens if you need to place a post where a tree root is? Keep reading for tips for digging holes in tree roots to place fence posts.

Remove Dirt From the Roots

To fit your auger tool near the tree roots for drilling, you must remove dirt from the area and begin pre-digging a hole. Doing this beforehand will give your equipment enough room to perform its task properly. Creating an initial hole will provide stability to your auger so that you can drill a cleaner hole for your fence posts later.

Never Do This Job Alone

Handling a larger auger alone is never a great idea. When digging holes in tree roots for fence posts, enlist the help of another employee to ensure your safety during this application. Once the bit on the equipment hits the tree root, it could try to pull you away from the machine. This is why having two hands on the equipment is essential. Two employees can help steady the auger and keep it in place the entire time.

Keep the Auger Upright for Drilling

Typically, for this project, you must be mindful of what drilling auger to choose for your application because the tree roots make it more challenging to drill. Usually, the machine is heavier and requires you to hold the auger upright during the drilling process to create the cleanest hole for a fence post. If you cannot keep the auger up, it could ruin your hole or drill it in the entirely wrong area.

Use Caution

Safety is a top priority when using a heavy machine—the same goes for this application. Go through the process slowly and make sure the auger connects with the roots to avoid accidents or injuries. Never try to speed up what you’re doing for the sake of time. It’s always best to take longer and do the job right than to hastily drill a hole that isn’t suitable for fence posts.

While drilling holes for fence posts seems easy, you still need to pay attention to what you’re doing and understand how to use the auger tool properly to avoid mistakes. If you cannot do this application yourself, consider contacting a professional service to ensure you get this job done correctly.

By Casey Cartwright

Casey is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.