There’s plenty of reasons your mailbox post may be leaning.
It could be due to severe weather, age, or just improper installation. A
leaning mailbox decreases curve appeal and is simply a pain to deal with.
Luckily, fixing this problem isn’t too tough.
1. Wedge Materials Next To Post
If you are positive that the post
isn’t rotted or broken, you may be able to simply wedge materials such as rocks
or sand around the hole of the post to help the post stand straight. This
should help to straighten the post.
2. Remove Leaning Post From Ground
Generally, we recommend removing
the post from the ground to look for hidden damage. The problem may be
something as simple as the initial hole not being dug deeply enough, but it’s
better to check. If the post is packed using concrete, you’ll need to break the
surface to get it out.
3. Assess The Damage
You may need to invest in a new
mailbox post if your current one is too damaged. Rotten wood and broken parts
need to be replaced; simply burying the damaged mailbox post again will not
solve the problem in the long run.
4. Prepare Mailbox Post Hole
To make sure your mailbox stays
standing straight for years to come, you have to ensure the hole you bury the
post in is prepared correctly. The hole should be about two feet deep and
roughly one foot in diameter. Add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the hole help
keep the water damage to your mailbox post minimal.
5. Place Post Into Ground
Place the post into the ground,
using soil to keep the post in place. Make sure the post is level before you
begin to pack the hole. Be sure to pack the soil tightly so your mailbox doesn’t
move.
