When should you seal the bottom of a piece of wood fencing?

• A. If water pools under them
• B. when within 5 feet of a sprinkler head
• C. If there is less than 2 inches of clearance from the ground
• D. If it touches the earth

Answer: (D)

Moisture from soil is the main threat to wooden fencing. When the bottom edge of a fence board or rail sits directly on the ground, water wicks into the wood and accelerates rot and decay. Sealing the bottom in that situation helps block that moisture path and extends the fence’s life. If the wood isn’t touching the earth, sealing isn’t as necessary because there isn’t that direct moisture transfer from soil. The other factors—water pooling, sprinkler proximity, or very little ground clearance—don’t change the need to seal in the same way; the key risk is actual contact with soil, so sealing is advised when it touches the earth.