Posts should be set to a minimum of 40" where possible. Posts should be set below the frost-line on a bed of gravel to allow any water at the bottom of the post-hole to drain away, keeping the post as dry as possible. The depth of the frost-line will vary depending on such things as the characteristics of the ground, proximity to roads, lane, or driveway. All Seasons drills posts as deep as 7'!

In addition to aesthetic value they provide arbors provide additional stability to the gate creating a functional lintel (header). This lintel connects the two posts on either side of the gate, helping to maintain a consistent distance between the two as the ground freezes and thaws with the change of season. This helps keep the gate from binding or catching on the posts and will minimize the need to maintain the gate.

Although there are some circumstances under which the use of concrete is the better option this is not usually the case. Concrete is porous and tends to wick/draw water from the surrounding ground into the middle, where the wood post is encased. This tends to keep the wood post surrounded by moisture causing the post to rot much sooner than those packed in limestone, which tends to carry moisture away from the post.

This is usually caused by ground contact. Ideally, the bottom of fence pickets (usually 1x6 boards) should not directly touch the ground. Ground contact will cause the wood to draw moisture out of the ground and up, into the wood. Over time, this will cause the decay of the bottom of these boards faster than any other part of the fence.