Why Redwood Fences Fall Over & Fail: A Simple Guide
Redwood is a beautiful and strong wood that many people use to build fences. It comes from redwood trees, which grow mainly in California. Redwood fences are popular because they look nice, last a long time, and resist bugs and rot. But even though redwood is tough, redwood fences can still fail or fall apart over time.
In this article, we’ll explain how and why redwood fences fail, using simple language and examples you can picture in real life. We’ll also talk about how to take care of redwood fences so they last longer.
Why Do Fence Posts Rot?
Most fence posts rot because of water. The part of the post that’s underground gets wet every time it rains or when the ground is damp. If the wood isn’t treated (or protected), the water can soak in and cause it to break down.
Other causes of rot include:
- Insects (like termites) that eat wood
- Old age – wood doesn’t last forever
- Poor installation – if the post wasn’t set in concrete or the concrete didn’t drain well, it can trap water
Water Damage: The #1 Enemy
Redwood is naturally resistant to water, but it’s not waterproof. When redwood fences get too much rain or moisture, they can rot over time. Rot is what happens when wood gets soft, mushy, and breaks down.
Imagine if you left a sponge outside in the rain for weeks. Eventually, it would fall apart. The same thing can happen to redwood if it’s always wet.
What causes water damage?
- Sprinklers hitting the fence every day
- Standing water at the bottom of the posts
- Poor drainage around the yard
- No sealant or stain to protect the wood
Over time, the redwood absorbs water, and parts of it start to break down, especially near the bottom of the fence where water collects.
Sun Damage: Wood Gets Tired Too
The sun might seem harmless, but it can actually cause a lot of damage to wood over time. The UV rays from the sun dry out redwood, causing it to crack, split, and turn gray.
Think about a piece of paper left in the sun—it fades. Now imagine that happening to wood for years. The color fades, and the wood starts to look tired and worn out.
Signs of sun damage:
- Faded or gray color
- Cracks or splinters
- Rough, dry surface
Without UV protection like stain or paint, even strong redwood will slowly weaken in the sun.
Termites and Insects
Redwood is naturally good at resisting bugs, especially compared to softwoods like pine. But over time, if the fence is damaged or untreated, termites and wood-boring beetles can still move in.
Termites are like tiny wood-eating machines. They chew from the inside out, so you might not even see them until part of the fence collapses.
What attracts insects?
- Wood that touches the soil directly
- Wet or rotting wood
- No protective stain or paint
Once bugs get inside, the wood gets hollow and weak. Posts and pickets can fall over or snap.
Poor Installation
Sometimes redwood fences fail not because of the wood, but because of how they were built. Even the best materials can fail if installed the wrong way.
Common installation problems:
- Posts not set deep enough in the ground
- Not using concrete to anchor posts
- Poorly spaced rails or pickets
- Using the wrong kind of nails or screws
If a fence is built on a weak foundation, it can start to lean, wobble, or even fall down in a storm.
Cheap or Fast-Grown Redwood
Not all redwood is the same. Slow-grown redwood (from older trees) is denser, stronger, and lasts longer. Fast-grown redwood (from younger trees) is usually softer and lighter, which makes it easier to damage.
Cheaper redwood may also have more knots, which are weak points in the wood. Fences made with this kind of redwood may crack, split, or break faster.
Age: Nothing Lasts Forever
Even the best redwood fence will eventually wear out. Over time, weather, bugs, and age all take their toll. Boards shrink, crack, or fall off. Posts can shift or rot. Screws and nails rust.
Most redwood fences last about 15 to 25 years if they’re well taken care of. Without care, they might only last 5 to 10 years.
Human Damage: Accidents Happen
People can also damage fences. Someone might:
- Back into the fence with a car or bike
- Climb over and crack the boards
- Kick or hit the fence during a game
Even small damage can grow over time. A cracked picket can let in water or bugs. A loose post can cause the whole section to lean.
How to Make Redwood Fences Last Longer
Now that you know what causes redwood fences to fail, here’s how to keep them strong and looking good:
- Keep It Dry
- Don’t let sprinklers spray the fence
- Make sure water drains away from the base
- Keep plants and soil away from the bottom of the fence
- Use Sealant or Stain
- Apply a waterproof sealant or stain every few years
- Use products with UV protection
- Choose a stain that soaks into the wood, not just a surface paint
- Watch for Bugs
- Inspect the fence for signs of termites or beetles
- Keep mulch and dirt away from fence posts
- Use treated posts in the ground when possible
- Build It Right
- Hire professionals or follow proper building guides
- Set posts at least 2-3 feet deep in concrete
- Add gravel to the bottom of every post to allow for water to drain out of it
- Minimize or eliminate joints on top of posts to strengthen the framing
- Use galvanized screws or nails so they don’t rust
- Fix Problems Early
- Replace broken boards quickly
- Re-tighten loose screws
- Check the fence after storms or strong winds
Final Thoughts
Redwood fences are strong, beautiful, and can last a long time—but only if you take care of them. Water, sun, bugs, and age are all enemies of wood. Poor installation or cheap materials make things worse.
Think of a redwood fence like a car or a pet. If you ignore it, it will fall apart. But if you take care of it, it will serve you well for many years.
So next time you walk past a redwood fence, take a closer look. Is it still strong? Does it need a little love? Now you know what to do!