To peel or not to peel?

[MooresFT]

So that is the question

Chestnut posts when being used for agricultural fencing, do they need to be peeled?

What's people's experiences? Does it increase lifespan?

[spandit]

Invertebrates seem to like living under the bark and if they're likely to damage the wood, then I'd say peel. The bark could also trap moisture which could accelerate rot

[farmer rod]

definitely peel, the bark just rots away leaving the wire loose, and I think they rot through quicker as well.

 

Also its a lot more volume to truck about, and they dry and get lighter, easier to handle, less springy when you knock them in,

[digga]

definitely peeled last longer make chestnut fencing and put it up and have seen lots of times cases that have proved this

[MooresFT]

are we talking a considerable difference, are unpeeled posts going to rot out in ten years rather than 20? how about the cleft posts, they've only got one side bark, worth peeling?

Apart from a cundy / similar is there any other way of peeling?

[digga]

peel all posts cleft or rounds all straining posts and struts. peeled last longer same as winter cut chestnut lasts longer than summer cut but job to say just how many years peeling will add to it . as for peeling depends how many you are after doing a cundey peeler wont be cheap but quicker. or can do them low cost and do them by hand i peel all my stuff by hand with practice surprising just how much you can get done in a day

[Johnpl315]

I can't make a comparison here as I have never done a direct test.

But, in a cleft post I don't believe it can make much difference. Especially a quarter.

I also think that the bark normally dries and splits fairly quickly and then it won't trap moisture in.

If I was installing my own fencing I wouldn't be bothered about peeling. Even if it last an extra year or two, I am not sure it's cost effective.

With regard to insects, lots of borers love sweet chestnut sapwood, so it will likely get some at some point peeled or unpeeled.

Just my opinion.