Bottom of privacy fence

I am building a 6 foot tall privacy fence and I started putting my pickets on and had a question about the bottom of my fence once it's installed. How long will it take before it starts to mold and rot from the wet grass? Also I am worried about how durable it will be when I trim around it with a weed eater. Any suggestions?

Lilly S.
Waco TX

Dear Lilly,

Kudos to you for taking on suck a project! My advice is pretty simple. When you install the pickets on the runners, lay a long 2"x4" flat on the ground against the outside of your posts. set your picket on the board and nail them in place. When you are finished, this will leave at least 1 1/2" between the ground and your fence to allow for the trimmer string to pass without damaging your fence, and it will keep the fence from direct contact with the ground to avoid soaking up constant moisture. You can also install metal flower bed type edging along the bottom of the fence if you would like, in order to keep snakes and such from coming under the fence and out of your yard.

I would also suggest using a flat sheen spar or marine varnish along the bottom 6" of your pickets just to seal them, if you're not planning to paint the fence. If the plan is to paint, then be sure to prime and paint at least one coat of finish paint over every part of the pickets before installing them. Once installed, caulk your nail holes and prime them. Them apply your final coat of paint. This should provide you with ample protection and a beautiful fence for years to come.