Why fences lean: it's almost always the posts

Walk any neighborhood in Ocala and you'll see it: fences leaning in the same direction, gates dragging the ground, panels pulling away from posts. Nearly all of it traces back to how the posts were set.

Depth first. A shallow post in sandy Florida soil is a lever waiting for wind. Line posts want a third of their above-grade height in the ground, and corner, end and gate posts want more.

Concrete second. A full concrete footing crowned above grade so water sheds away, not a bag of dry mix dumped in a hole. Water pooling at the post collar is what rots wood and heaves vinyl sleeves.

Bracing third. Corners and gate posts take all the load. Without a proper brace assembly the corner walks and the whole run goes with it.

Gates are where cheap installs show up within a year. A gate needs a heavier hinge post, a diagonal anti-sag brace or welded frame, and hardware rated for the leaf weight.

None of this is visible when the job is finished. It's entirely visible five years later.