How to Tamp a Fence Post

Place the fence post in the center of the hole. Have a friend hold a bubble level against the side of the post.

Position two pieces of 2-inch by 4-inch lumber against opposite sides of the post at an angle to keep the fence post in a vertical position.

Fill the hole approximately one-quarter full with dirt.

Place the flat end of the tamper into the hole. Lift it up and drop it down repeatedly to compact the dirt into the hole. Take caution not to hit the post or you could force it to angle sideways.

Fill the hole approximately halfway full and then tamp the soil down again with the tamper.

Fill the hole approximately three-quarters full and then tamp the soil down again with the tamper.

Fill the hole completely and then tamp the soil down again with the tamper. Once compacted, the soil will rest below the surface of the ground again.

Pile dirt into a mound around the post and compact the soil until it can't be compacted any further into the hole.