Fungus, moisture, oxygen, temperature, and wood—the diet of the fungus—all work together to cause wood to rot. One of the causes that we can manage and that fungi require is dampness. Simply explained, for fungus to grow, the wood must be damp. Fungus won't grow on dry wood because of this. Since there is no such thing as airborne fungus, the fungus can either enter from the soil and infect the wood upon contact. In the event that fungus does develop on a piece of wood, it may spread to other, healthy wood. However, since we now understand how fungus multiplies, we are not powerless to stop the wood from degrading.
4 Easy Methods To Stop & Keep Wood From Rotting In The Ground
Put a wood preservative on the bottom of the post to stop it from rotting in the ground. Treat the post before you bury it in the ground. Choose a preservative that contains copper naphthenate, and soak the bottom area at least one foot below the surface.
Method 1: Choose The Right Kind Of Wood For Ground Contact
- Heartwood
Natural rot-resistant wood is produced by trees with a lot of heartwood, natural oils, and extractives. They prevent the growth of fungus. Heartwood is the term for the inside of the tree. Here, we discover substances—known as extractives—that combat fungi and produce naturally rot-resistant wood. The tree's color, perfume, and other qualities are all derived from it. The density and hardness of the tree are additional factors since they can keep insects and dampness out. Except for some species' heartwood, no form of wood sold on the market is immune to rot. This is due to the fact that practically every tree comes from a second generation that is rich in sapwood. Sapwood is vulnerable to fungal development and deterioration. Despite this, we have the option to use wood that is trusted, resistant to the growth of fungi, and long-lasting when used for construction. - Cedar
Termites, moths, and other insects are repelled by the natural wood preservative present in this. Because of how effectively its natural oils destroy fungi, cedar oil is frequently used to treat skin problems like acne. Cedar is waterproof due to its natural oils. Builders like the following types of cedar: Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, Spanish Cedar & Northern White Cedar. For wooden rails, fences, and benches, among other things, cedar is perfect. - Redwood
The heartwood that makes up the majority of a redwood's trunk naturally protects it from rot. Heartwood is the term for the inside of the tree. Here, we discover substances—known as extractives—that fend off fungi and shield the tree from insects. - Mahogany
It can resist water and insects due to its strength, density, and durability. It's a common material selection for doors and outdoor furniture. These are some of the best varieties of wood that naturally resist rotting. The issue is that their resistance to rot and durability result in higher costs. As an alternative, you might buy pressure-treated wood.
Method 2: Use Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood can still rot, but it does so less frequently and costs less than wood from heartwood and the aforementioned tree species. Once more, no pressure-treated lumber is guaranteed to be rot-free. They are rot-resistant because they contain a liquid wood preservative, but they are not water-resistant. They still have a chance to become wet and dry out. To prevent extended exposure to the chemicals used to cure the wood, it is best to wear protective gear (dust mask, goggles, and gloves) when dealing with this type of wood. Work outside or in a room with good ventilation.
Method 3: Soak The Bottom Of Your Post In A Wood Preservative
Don't panic if you didn't buy any of the aforementioned wood varieties, you got untreated wood, or your project is already installed. There are still techniques to stop the rotting of the wood underground.
- Wear the safety gear that you have.
- In a big bucket, pour half a liter of the preservative.
- For 20 minutes, soak about 1 foot of the entire post or plank.
- On the entire surface of the wood, brush the preservative. Give it about an hour to dry.
- Brush additional layers until the wood stops absorbing the preservative (and let them dry appropriately). Ignore the substantial layer. Make sure the preservative has gotten to the heartwood. Let it dry naturally.
Method 4: Use Concrete And Gravel
- Each fence post needs to have a hole dug that is twice its diameter and as deep as the post's whole length. These measures guarantee that the fence will be stable, the post will be erect, and fence posts won't decay. It is best to utilize a post hole digger so that your fence posts are the right size.
- Three inches of gravel and gravel dust should be inserted into the hole. To keep your wooden posts from hitting the ground, compact the gravel. Additionally, gravel enables water from fence posts to drain quickly from them.
- Put the wooden post in the hole's middle. Cement should completely fill the hole. The wooden posts will be securely fastened in place by concrete. Make sure the hole is completely filled with cement up to the ground level. The technique may not stop the rotting of fence posts if the cement is not packed tightly enough.