Yesterday there was a major thaw again followed by blizzard-type winds, but, thankfully, the arbor did not get blown over. I conclude that the rocks are doing the job, but I need them elsewhere in the garden and, more importantly, they don't look as if they belong there. We did not set the arbor legs in concrete because I've never worked with it before, and because I'd rather not have concrete in the garden. Any suggestions for sturdier footing for the arbor?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Garden Blogger's Design Workshop - Arbors & Pergolas
While I've posted previously about how much I love my arbor, as part of Garden Bloggers' Design Workshop, I have a question: what foundation should my arbor have? After putting the arbor together, I dug holes for the legs, put in some stones, and then placed the arbor. This appeared to be a sufficient foundation until there was a major thaw and then roaring winds, which toppled the arbor. I reset the arbor and braced the legs with large rocks:
Yesterday there was a major thaw again followed by blizzard-type winds, but, thankfully, the arbor did not get blown over. I conclude that the rocks are doing the job, but I need them elsewhere in the garden and, more importantly, they don't look as if they belong there. We did not set the arbor legs in concrete because I've never worked with it before, and because I'd rather not have concrete in the garden. Any suggestions for sturdier footing for the arbor?
Yesterday there was a major thaw again followed by blizzard-type winds, but, thankfully, the arbor did not get blown over. I conclude that the rocks are doing the job, but I need them elsewhere in the garden and, more importantly, they don't look as if they belong there. We did not set the arbor legs in concrete because I've never worked with it before, and because I'd rather not have concrete in the garden. Any suggestions for sturdier footing for the arbor?
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13 comments:
For my trellises, I dug deep holes with a post-hole digger, below the frost line. I added stone to the very bottom. Then I poured in dry cement right from the bag to about 6" below ground level. The moisture from the earth is enough (in my experience) to make the concrete harden. Nothing's fallen yet!
http://web.mac.com/charlierj/ArtOfGardening/Home/Entries/2008/1/3_Arbors_%26_Pergolas%2C_Frank_%26_Me.html
Like Jim, we have poured dry quickcrete straight from the bag into the hole. Don't be scared of concrete, it is your friend. Even mixed with water, it doesn't set up so fast that you can't undo it. I use the forty pound bags because that is the most I can lift. It is enough to fill a good hole. If you plant a large vine or rose on your arbor it will surely blow over in a strong wind.
Frances at Faire Garden
Concrete is easy. I just pour it in the hole and mix it right there.
Used to, we were told to set posts completely in concrete. Nowadays, I read that you should fill the bottom of the hole with gravel, to allow for drainage, and the upper part of the hole with concrete. This keeps your posts from rotting.
As another option, you could consider installing one or two wooden posts on each side and fasten the arbor to them for extra security. That has worked well for me. I have regular fence posts set about as deep as I could dig (about 18 inches) and backfilled with soil. I'm sure concrete would be much more secure, but I like the idea of elements being a bit more mobile in case I need to shift or replace them.
OK, I'm only commenting because I have advice ;-) (oh and I love all the posts about wildflowers). I second the 'below the frost line' comment which is 4 feet here, hopefully less for you. Then you can add rebar to the bottom of your trellis (if it isn't long enough) and concrete which I third as a suggestion. It is more work and planning than seems reasonable to me but then ultimately I'm a 'must have it on hands' gardener, but it will definitely not blow over if you do that.
No suggestions here, just wanted to say that your arbor is lovely. Did you put it together yourself from a kit?
Our large arbor blew over once too. HH and I redug the holes and then we backfilled with some gravel/rock. Lastly, we attached some rusted rebar (sp?) to the arbor. It is hidden within the arbor itself so it doesn't show. It hasn't blown over since.~~Dee
Thanks everyone for the great advice everyone. I know my husband won't be happy about it, but, come Spring, we'll dig the holes deeper and add some Quickcrete.
Robin - I got the arbor as a mailorder kit, & it took only a couple of hours to put together. I needed help only on the top pieces because I'm too short to reach up there.
I would "second" the gravel/concrete advice above. I also wondered about the stakes some people use to hold swingsets in place?
I love arbors, too. Yours is especially nice. I've been working on a homemade one (instructions seen on HGTV about 3 years ago) using branches cut from my neighbor's honeysuckle hedge that fall over into my garden. :-)
Any kind of metal channel or fence pole material would work. Just sturdy enough for your trellis. Say about 18 to 24 inches in the ground and fastened to the trellis. The wood of the trellis can be just above the ground so it does not rot so soon.
John H - thanks for visiting & thanks for your input. Good point about trying to keep the wood off the ground. I'll keep it in mind.
There are 6-foot metal posts called 'T-posts' used for cattle fencing. Pounded into the ground with a foot or two left above ground to fasten with metal straps and wood screws to the inside of the arbor legs, they will hold. No concrete necessary.
We used them as anchors for a small greenhouse.
Jean - thanks for the advice & thanks for visiting! I'll have to have my husband read all these suggestions.
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