…two of which at least were useful as we set off to make a survey of the block so that an order for the trellis posts can be placed next week. This represents the biggest investment since buying the land and I have thought long and hard over the right way to go, not only in terms of the training choices, height, end assemblies etc (of which their will be much more in future posts,) but about what materials I would use.
The standard choice is CCA (copper, chromium, arsenic,) treated pine. It lasts well, although it tends to brittleness, and is relatively inexpensive. While there have been few issues with chemical leaching, I have encountered the occasional whisper that, in areas of intensive planting, the arsenic residues in the soils are building to levels that might become a concern in the future.
As everything involved in building a vineyard must be done with an eye to the future, I have settled on a new product from the wonderful Ashley Davidson at Woodshield comprising an untreated machined pine post sheathed in a recycled 6mm plastic outer. These posts have higher breaking strains than treated pine and are suitable for organic viticulture. While admittedly there are higher initial costs, hopefully they will be offset by long-term savings and minimal environmental impact. And I feel that I am doing the right thing.
WoodShield brochure
Domaine Anthony Woollams 
Yup, these work, and use steel intermediates. Only thing to watch is stripping the plastic off against rocks if you drive them in. The (untreated) Pine then rots out quicker than Aust. losing the Ashes. Consider a very snug bored hole. Also, forget box assemblies, you’ll get water in where you join the brace. More rot. Also, worth considering Vinitex for lifting wires, when you get ’round to them. -Pete.
Fantastic advice. Thanks Pete. Don’t think the stripping will be an issue as no rock content. Hoping that the whacker will be the way to go. Had been considering a 60 deg anchored end post. Just fitting a dripper wire to start with. Will remember the vinitex when I can afford to put the rest of the wires on!! Can’t wait to show you. Cheers A
Angled end posts work. Holding strength of soil determines ground anchor type. We learnt: further away you can get anchor from post base, the better it holds. Leave lots of headland so you don’t bash the anchor point with tractors and trailers. 10m from anchor is ok, so you have turning room for long, towed, things like compost spreaders.
Unless you’re establishing “bush” vines, you’ll want a wire at top of vine-guard, which then becomes a cordon wire.
I think we are away that weekend – yes the one where you need poles put in and wire strained – yes definitely away . . . . somewhere . . . have strainers and wire wheel here when the time comes 🙂
Great outcome on the posts!
Cheers
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