If youre considering making improvements to your fence, youve probably asked yourself the question: should fence pickets touch the ground? The answer isn’t always straightforward, and there are many factors to consider. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons for not letting fence pickets touch the ground, the dangers of allowing them to do so, how to improve the look of a fence without allowing pickets to touch the ground, and potential solutions for fences where pickets are already touching the ground. We’ll also provide tips for maintenance and discuss the types of fences and whether their pickets should touch the ground. Read on to learn the answers to your questions about fence pickets and more!
Short Answer
No, fence pickets should not touch the ground.
This can lead to rotting and a weakened fence over time.
It is best to install the pickets several inches above the ground to ensure the fence lasts as long as possible.
Additionally, this will help to keep animals and other pests out from underneath the fence.
Reasons for Not Letting Fence Pickets Touch the Ground
When deciding whether or not to let fence pickets touch the ground, it is important to consider the long-term effects this decision may have on the fence.
Generally, it is not recommended for fence pickets to touch the ground as this can cause the wood to deteriorate over time due to moisture, insect infestations, and other environmental factors.
Moisture is one of the main reasons not to let fence pickets touch the ground.
If the pickets are allowed to come in contact with the ground, they will be exposed to water and other liquids that can cause the wood to rot and warp.
Additionally, the pickets may be subject to mold, mildew, and other forms of decay if they remain in contact with the ground.
Insect infestations are another factor that should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to let fence pickets touch the ground.
If the pickets are allowed to come in contact with the ground, they may be subject to termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying insects.
These insects can cause significant damage to the fence and can even lead to the complete destruction of the fence if left unchecked.
Environmental factors can also play a role in the decision to let fence pickets touch the ground.
The pickets may be subject to extreme temperatures, ultraviolet rays, and other elements that can cause the wood to deteriorate over time.
Additionally, the pickets may be subject to soil erosion and other forms of damage if they are left in contact with the ground.
For these reasons, it is generally recommended that fence pickets are not allowed to touch the ground.
This will help protect the pickets from moisture, insect infestations, and other environmental factors that can cause the wood to deteriorate over time.
Additionally, spacing the pickets away from the ground can help improve the overall look of the fence and extend its life.
The Dangers of Allowing Fence Pickets to Touch the Ground
When it comes to building a fence, one of the most important considerations is whether or not to allow the fence pickets to touch the ground.
While it may seem like a minor thing, this decision can have a significant impact on the longevity and overall appearance of the fence.
In most cases, it is not recommended to allow fence pickets to touch the ground.
This is because contact with the ground can cause the wood to deteriorate over time due to moisture, insects, and other environmental factors.
When moisture is allowed to build up in the wood, it can cause rot, warping, and cracking.
This can make the fence less secure and less aesthetically pleasing.
Additionally, insects such as termites and carpenter ants can burrow into the wood and cause further damage.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your fence pickets from these elements.
By spacing the pickets away from the ground, you can help protect them from moisture and insects.
This can also improve the overall look of the fence, as the pickets will be evenly spaced and not resting on the ground.
Additionally, you can use a sealant or stain on the pickets to help protect them from the elements.
In short, it is generally not recommended for fence pickets to touch the ground.
This can cause the wood to deteriorate over time and make the fence less secure and aesthetically pleasing.
By spacing the pickets away from the ground and applying a sealant or stain, you can help protect your fence and keep it looking great for years to come.
Improving the Look of a Fence Without Allowing Pickets to Touch the Ground
When it comes to improving the look of a fence without allowing pickets to touch the ground, there are several options.
One is to use a lattice panel along the bottom of the fence, which will allow for air circulation and keep the pickets from getting too close to the ground.
Another option is to install a skirt board, which is a board that is installed along the bottom of the fence, between the pickets and the ground.
This will provide a barrier between the two and help keep the pickets from coming in contact with the soil.
And lastly, there is the option of installing a gravel base along the bottom of the fence.
This will help to keep the pickets dry and can also provide an attractive aesthetic to the fence.
Regardless of which option is chosen, it is important to make sure that the pickets are spaced properly and that they are not coming in contact with the ground.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Let Fence Pickets Touch the Ground
When deciding whether or not to let fence pickets touch the ground, there are several factors to consider.
First and foremost, consider the type of fence pickets you are using.
Not all materials are suitable for being in direct contact with the ground.
Certain materials, such as cedar, are better suited for this purpose as they are naturally resistant to moisture, insects, and other environmental factors.
Other materials, such as pressure-treated wood or vinyl, may not be as suitable and can be damaged or discolored if exposed to the elements.
In addition to the type of picket material, consider the climate and environment where your fence will be located.
If the climate is wet and humid, the pickets may be more vulnerable to damage from moisture and insects.
In these cases, it is best to keep the pickets away from the ground, as this will provide some protection from the elements.
In dry climates, however, the pickets can be closer to the ground without as much risk of damage.
Finally, consider the overall look of the fence.
If the pickets are spaced away from the ground, the fence will have a more polished and finished look.
On the other hand, if the pickets are directly touching the ground, the fence may look unfinished.
This is especially true if the pickets are not of uniform size and shape.
So, when it comes to aesthetics, it is usually best to keep the pickets away from the ground.
Types of Fences and Whether Fence Pickets Should Touch the Ground
When it comes to building a fence, there are a variety of different types of fences and styles to choose from.
Each type of fence has different considerations when it comes to the best way to construct it, and one of the most important considerations is whether the fence pickets should touch the ground.
This decision can have a big impact on the overall appearance and longevity of the fence.
Wood fence pickets are a popular choice for many homeowners, and these pickets generally should not touch the ground.
This is because when the pickets are in contact with the ground, they are more exposed to moisture, insects, and other environmental factors that can cause the wood to deteriorate over time.
Spacing the pickets away from the ground can help protect them from these elements and extend the life of the fence.
Additionally, the overall look of the fence will be improved if the pickets are spaced away from the ground.
Chain link fences are another popular choice for fencing, and these fences typically should not have the pickets touch the ground either.
This is because the pickets can rust over time if they are in contact with the ground, which can lead to an unsightly appearance.
Spacing the pickets away from the ground can help prevent this from happening and also help protect the fence from damage.
Vinyl fences are also a popular choice for many homeowners, and these fences should generally not have the pickets touch the ground either.
This is because when the pickets are in contact with the ground, they can become weakened over time due to moisture and other environmental factors.
Additionally, the pickets can become discolored if they are in contact with the ground.
Spacing the pickets away from the ground can help protect them from these elements and extend the life of the fence.
Finally, wrought iron fences should also not have the pickets touch the ground.
This is because wrought iron is a relatively soft metal that can corrode over time when exposed to moisture and other environmental factors.
Spacing the pickets away from the ground can help protect them from these elements and extend the life of the fence.
In conclusion, when it comes to building a fence, it is generally not recommended for fence pickets to touch the ground.
This is because it can cause the wood to deteriorate over time due to moisture, insects, and other environmental factors.
Spacing the pickets away from the ground can help protect them from these elements and extend the life of the fence.
Additionally, the overall look of the fence will be improved if the pickets are spaced away from the ground.
Potential Solutions for Fences Where Pickets Touch the Ground
For those who have already built their fences with the pickets touching the ground, there are still options available to help protect the wood and extend the life of the fence.
For instance, the pickets can be treated with a preservative or sealant to help protect them from moisture and insects.
Additionally, the pickets can be spaced from the ground by adding a layer of gravel or mulch beneath them.
This will help keep the pickets from being in contact with the ground and can help extend the life of the fence.
Finally, a layer of plastic or metal sheeting can be placed beneath the pickets to provide an additional layer of protection from moisture and insects.
While these solutions may not be ideal, they can help protect the pickets and extend the life of the fence.
Maintenance Tips for Fences Where Pickets Don’t Touch the Ground
When building a fence, it is important to ensure that the pickets do not touch the ground.
This is because it can lead to the wood deteriorating over time due to moisture, insects, and other environmental factors.
While this is generally the recommended option, there are still ways to maintain the fence and protect it from the elements.
The first step is to make sure that the pickets are spaced away from the ground by at least a few inches.
This will allow air to circulate and reduce the amount of moisture that can accumulate around the pickets.
Additionally, it will help to keep insects from coming in contact with the wood.
It is also important to regularly inspect the fence to ensure that there is no damage to the pickets.
If any issues are found, they should be addressed right away to prevent further deterioration.
Additionally, it is recommended that the fence is painted or stained to help protect it from the elements.
This should be done every few years to ensure that the pickets remain in good condition.
Finally, it is important to keep an eye out for any trees or plants that may be encroaching on the fence.
These can cause damage to the pickets over time, so it is important to trim them back and keep them away from the fence.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that there is no debris or other items that are leaning against the fence, as this can cause the pickets to become damaged.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your fence pickets remain in good condition and look great for years to come.
Remember, it is best to keep the pickets away from the ground in order to protect them from the elements.
By doing this, you can help to ensure that your fence will last for many years.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, when deciding whether pickets should touch the ground when building a fence, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not allow them to.
Not only can this help protect the wood from moisture, insects, and other environmental factors, but it can also help improve the overall look of the fence.
However, if the pickets are already touching the ground, it’s important to consider the type of fence and the potential solutions for this issue.
Regular maintenance is key for extending the life of a fence, so if the pickets are not touching the ground, it’s important to adhere to a maintenance plan.
With the right care and consideration, your fence will last for years to come.