building fence near firs and cedars

9 years ago

hello all! we have very large fir and cedar trees on a patch of our yard. it's really a small forest in town and we want to preserve it.

we need to fence our yard to keep wandering animals out and our animals in. one giant fir (the circumference of the trunk is probably 2' to 3') sits pretty much exactly next to where we need to put a corner post for a gate. i'm concerned about disturbing the roots when digging the post holes and i don't know how to find out what's best.

can someone please tell me how close to the tree we can dig post holes without disturbing the health of the tree? i thought about just using the tree as a corner post for the gate, but i think the tree would just grow around the wire and we'd have to cut it out. anyway...thoughts?

thank you in advance!
lanni

Comments (3)

alley_cat_gw_7b
9 years ago
Using the tree for a corner post is out. Bad idea...My next thought is wondering what type of fence and materials are we talking about here? Chicken wire, wood, metal post w chain link???
Its difficult enough putting a line post near a large tree.But if thats where your gate must be id get a post hole digger and start exploring where i want my posts. If you get lucky and find a void i dont think a tree of that size will mind and should grow roots around your posts.
Al
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
w/o actually seeing the spot.. i am at a loss .. t make any suggestions ...

ken
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
Assume from the tree selection and zone you are in the PNW. If so, these large sized trees are ubiquitous. I doubt digging a fence post hole in close proximity - even next to the trunk - will do any serious damage. Not always easy to tell, but try and avoid immediately on top of any larger roots laying at or just under the surface.