Leaning Fences? Here's What Causes It and How to Straighten It

Leaning Fences? Here’s What Causes It and How to Straighten It

One of the most common fence problems in Central Texas is a once straight fence that’s now leaning. It can be a problem that comes on slowly or seems to happen overnight. Regardless, once fences start leaning it will only get worse if the problem isn’t fixed. Eventually, the fence won’t be able to fight gravity, and it will fall down completely.

If parts of your fence aren’t straight along the property line don’t panic. There are a number of fence repairs that can solve the problem and hopefully prevent it from happening in the future. Let’s get your fence upright again!

What Causes a Straight Fence to Become a Leaning Fence

Before getting into the solutions for correcting a fence leaning to one side or the other, it’s good to know what’s causing the problem so that the right solution is used.

Loose Fence Posts Are the Usual Culprit

Leaning fence posts cause leaning fences. The fence posts are the base of the fence panels and pickets. It’s what gives the fence structure whether it’s wood fencing, metal fencing or vinyl.

The biggest question is why fence posts are loose and leaning. The top causes of leaning posts include:

Improper installation
Too much moisture in the ground from poor drainage
Soil erosion
Underground tree roots
Rotting wood post bases

Strong Winds Are Another Reason For a Leaning Fence Line in Central Texas

If the entire fence went from being straight to leaning after a storm, high winds are usually to blame. This is often the case when you have solid fence panels that can catch the wind.

Weather damage in general can cause issues for fencing. When strong winds are paired with heavy rain, even durable metal fencing can be impacted. Even just a few inches of rain can be enough to erode the soil around fence and gate posts.

Fence Repair That Will Straighten Out the Situation

Fixing a leaning fence starts at the ground level, but what exactly needs to be done depends on the fence materials and what’s causing the problem. In all cases you’ll need to first identify the affected posts that are causing the fence to lean. From there follow the appropriate step by step guide below.

Fixing a Leaning Wooden Fence

Common Causes:

Rotting posts
Loose or eroding soil
Poor installation
High winds
Physical impact

Steps For the Solution:

Assess the Damage: Check for rotted or broken posts along the wood fencing as well as loose footings or failed fasteners around the fence sections that are leaning.
Dig Around the Post Base: Use a shovel or post hole digger to dig about a foot around the affected post.
Realign the Post: Use a level to ensure the post is straight, then prop it upright with temporary supports.
Secure the Post Base: There are two options based on how badly the fence is leaning:
- For minor leaning: Put enough gravel around the post to secure it.
- For added stability: It’s usually best to go a step further and pour concrete around the post then allow it to set for 24 hours.
Reattach Panels and Rails: If rails or panels were removed make sure they are properly fastened back to the post.

Temporary Solution: If you need a temporary solution until you can get the fence properly fixed, then try to:

Brace the post so that it’s upright using 2×4s
Compact the soil or gravel around the base for added stability.

For posts with rotten sections that need more than reinforcement, fence replacement is recommended.

Solutions For Chain Link Fences That Are Leaning

Common Causes:

Weak soil
Strong wind
Ground movement
Bent rails and/or posts

Steps For the Solution:

Check the Post Footings: Dig around the post bases for a closer look at the concrete footings.
Realign the Post: Get the post upright, using a level so it’s accurately realigned. Bracing may be needed during this step.
Secure the Post: Repack the hole with concrete or gravel to keep the post in place. If a chain link fence has damaged posts use a metal brace or sleeve over the damaged area for added stability.
Straighten Bent Rails: For minor bends in rails, sandwich the bend between two wooden blocks and apply firm pressure.
Poor and Cure the Concrete: Pour concrete around the post footing then allow at least 24 hours for it to cure.

Fixes When Vinyl Fences Are Leaning

Common Causes:

Soil movement
Improper installation
Shifting posts
Storm damage

Steps For the Solution:

Inspect the Posts For Damage: Check to see if the vinyl is cracked or if the post itself is broken.
Straighten the Post: Dig around the leaning post, then use a stake or brace to hold it up straight.
Secure the Post: If the post was installed without concrete around the footing, reset it deeper in the ground or add a concrete collar around the base for extra stability. For added strength, put a treated 4×4 wooden post or a metal shank inside the vinyl sleeve before resetting it.
Final Adjustments: Fill the hole around the post and tamp down the soil. Recheck vertical alignment to determine if adjustments are needed.

Replacing Damaged Posts: If a post is cracked or broken, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace it and follow the steps above to ensure the post is secure and straight.

Correcting Metal Fences When They Start to Lean

Common Issues:

Soft ground
Bent posts
Root obstructions

Steps For the Solution:

Assess the Leaning Posts: Dig around the bases, checking the condition of the concrete footings. Also, look for root obstructions underground.
Straighten the Post: Metal fencing might not be as easy to manipulate back straight. Use wire, a turnbuckle and support posts to provide tension and hold metal posts in place if digging up is not possible.
Reinforce the Posts: For permanent stability, concrete should be poured around the straightened post. For temporary fixes or root issues, diagonal bracing can be used.
Monitor the Situation If Ground Conditions Aren’t Good: Repeat bracing may be needed, and fence replacement may be needed if the leaning comes back.

Fixing Leaning Fences: A Comparison Chart by Fence Type

Fence Type	Common Causes	Step-by-Step Fix	Permanent Fixes	Temporary Fixes
Wooden Fence	Rotting posts, loose soil, poor installation, wind, physical impact	1. Assess damage (rotted posts, loose footing) 2. Dig ~12” around base 3. Realign post using a level 4. Brace upright	– Tamp gravel (minor lean) – Pour concrete & let cure 24 hrs – Reattach panels/rails	– Brace with 2×4 lumber – Compact soil/gravel around base – Replace if post is rotted
Chain Link Fence	Weak soil, wind, ground movement, bent rails/posts	1. Check post foundation 2. Realign using a level 3. Brace as needed	– Repack with gravel or concrete – Use metal brace/sleeve for weak posts – Straighten rails	– Brace while curing – Monitor for further leaning
Vinyl Fence	Soil movement, improper install, shifting, storm damage	1. Inspect post for cracks 2. Dig around base & straighten 3. Brace and level	– Reset deeper with concrete collar – Insert 4×4 or metal shank inside sleeve for support	– Use bracing stakes – Compact soil temporarily
Metal Fence	Soft ground, bent posts, root obstruction	1. Assess lean by digging around base 2. Straighten post 3. Use wire, turnbuckles, or braces if digging not possible	– Pour concrete around base – Use diagonal bracing	– Repeated bracing if needed – Professional help if lean persists

General Tips For Keeping Your Fence From Leaning

Only use pressure-treated, rot-resistant posts for new fence installations.
Set the post with concrete a third or more of the way down the post for the best long-term results.
Ensure proper drainage around the fence to prevent soil erosion.
Inspect your fence at least once a year and correct problems quickly to prevent widespread issues.

If you aren’t certain that you can handle the fence repairs to correct fencing that’s started leaning, call a professional fencer in your area. This is a fence problem that can get much worse if the repairs aren’t done correctly. Plus, if you go with a contractor like Purple Fencing Company you’ll get a warranty on the work!

Give us a call or contact us online if you need a leaning fence fixed anywhere in Central Texas!

Leaning Fences? What Causes It and How to Straighten It