Tree as a fence post?

Ihave trees with wire that is now eight inches in. No I don't think it will hurt it. Then again different trees who knows.

Kevin

Yup, I've seen too, but if the tree ever has to come down, I wouldn't want to be the one on the chainsaw.

BTDT got the T-shirt more times than I care to remember. Costs much filing to get the teeth back in shape.

Harry K

Trees and property lines are an endless source of contention. And litigation. I would do some research on the legal rights and responsibilities involved. While you and your present neighbor may agree now on the arrangements you make, this could become a problem when or after either property is sold.

I don't think the tree will make a good fence post since it will continue to grow over time. Put fence posts on each side of the tree about 18" away, end the fence at these posts and fill the gap with chicken wire or some other cheap material.

Dave M.

Is it a decent wooden fence? You could do something creative by placing posts a couple of feet offset from the trunk and using "wing" type panels that come close enough to the tree to provide for your needs (privacy? animal control?). You could also run a "skirt" fence around the tree. (You'd have to give the panels extra support, e.g. with a wire.) You could also allow for future growth by setting a panel in horizontal rails built on your side of the post, allowing you to slide it 3" or so every few years as needed.

Cheapest attractive solution would be straightforward hurricane fence with some kind of ivy.

I wouldn't use the tree as a *post* -- not really good for it in the long run, let alone the fence.