Memphis fences sit in loess soil that drains unevenly, so posts stay damp longer at the base, which is where most failures start. Add our long humid seasons and sudden storm soakings, and woods that look fine on day one can twist, split, or rot within a few years. We’ve seen untreated pine cup badly after the first summer, while lower-grade treated lumber softens around fasteners once moisture cycles repeat. Cedar performs better above ground but still needs protection where it meets soil, especially after heavy rains compact the earth around posts. We usually guide homeowners toward ground-contact rated treated pine for posts and either cedar or higher-grade treated boards for panels, sourced locally so the lumber is acclimated to Memphis conditions before install.