Rotting fence posts

The Problem

Since 2004 all fence posts have had to be treated with Tanalith because of EU Regulations. The USA has the same regulation. These posts are already having to be replaced after only 3 or 4 years across the UK (instead of after 15 to 20 year). The carbon footprint of this replacement, plus the cost is horrendous. Costs include, new posts, remove netting and wire, remove old post(s), new post in new hole, replace netting and wire, time and diesel, second lot of preservatives and the carbon footprint to cut down, treat and transport the replacement posts. The posts replaced are invariably burnt - even if this is against the rules.

Fencing contractors are going out of business. Farmers are choosing not to fence or use electric fencing instead. The EU is also asking for even more fencing - e.g. fence along each and every river course or stream - guess what? These new posts will rot even faster as their feet are in damp ground!!

The Solution

1. Main Solution - Go back to using seasoned posts treated with CCA - Copper, Chromium and Arsenic. This proven technique works and there seems to have been no evidence of this treatment having caused harm to people, animals or the environment. (Obviously there had been some theoretical concern over the use of arsenic, but many people ar not happy

2. Alternative Solution - Where appropriate, try some of the older techniques such as making sustainable hardwood posts out of coppiced wood-land, posts from which often last for 15 or more years without any treatment

The Science and Principles

TANALISED E pressure treated timber has been impregnated with TANALITH E, a waterborne product based on copper triazole technology. It has supposed to be scientifically proved, but the practical aspect on farms by professional fencing contractors and farmers is that - 'for fence posts in the UK at least, they just do not last'. (Tanalith may work well in other situations)

Even if only one in 20 posts fail early, it is still an issue as replacing even a single post costs disproportionately more, with a higher carbon footprint than getting it right in the first place e.g. £100 to place a post that would have cost £30 to do in the first place.

In New Zealand they have taken a different direction to the EU and USA. They have switched to alternative treatments from CCA where children or other members of the general public are involved, but retained CCA for normal industrial and farming use. To read their report click here.

The Practical Benefits

Huge savings in carbon footprint, costs, animal welfare, etc.

The Benefits by Category icon