Putting up a fence post - but there's a tree stump in the way...

dominoman

I am putting up a new fence and have most of the post holes dug. Unfortunately the last one is right bang in the middle of an old buried tree stump.

The stump is rock hard, in a corner, and it was from a huge sycamore so the stump can't easily be removed.

How can I install my fence post? I was thinking maybe drill a large hole in it? Is that even possible and what kind of drill bit would I need to use?

Aylesbury_Duck

Are you using set sized fence panels? If not, install the post either side of the stump. I installed a new fence, good side toward my neighbour, and there are stumps and thick roots all along the run at weird intervals so I had to irregularly space the posts. I was prepared to grow things alongside to hide what I thought would be ugly spacing, but it's visually more interesting than regularly spaced posts and I'm happy to leave it in view.

dominoman

Yes, unfortunately I'm using set size trellis, and even if I cut it if I don't put this post here it will leave an ugly gap.

The stump is below ground level, so I'm wondering if it might be possible to drill through it - or set fire to it. I've seen some youtube videos of people burning out old stumps so that could be an option?

Aylesbury_Duck

As you are using set sized panels, perhaps start again from the other end of the run and see if there's a pattern that will avoid the stump (and any others)? It'll be a lot of work to dig new holes but so will removing the stump. I don't think there's a solution other than hard graft and brute force I'm afraid.

getmore4less

might be possible to drive a post holder into the stump.

a standard metpost type probably won't work so may need something custom made with a narrower spike or screw thread.

if the stump is really solid a flat plate post holder with long bolts/screw into the stump something like
http://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/products/gate_fence_and_shed_hardware/fence_post_shoes/485009/fence_post_bolt_down_shoe/715008?vat=1&shopping=true&gclid=CMvBmYap1c4CFRaNGwod3TYDiw&gclsrc=aw.ds


Stump may rot over time and whatever is used will loosen

another alternative maybe see if a stump grinder can go deeper.

getmore4less

a quick google seems one solution is

drill a hole insert long rod.

drill hole in post mount post onto bit of rod sticking up.