ENN: Environmental News Network [[ ENN Garden Tutorials ]]
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What you need:
A post of wood makes it easier for predators to access a birdhouse, so ” galvanized pipe is preferred. The length of the pipe is dependent on the type of birdhouse you are mounting, but it should be 1′ longer than the intended finished height. Be sure it is threaded on one end. Dig a 1′ deep hole using a post-hole digger. Remove the soil. |
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| To hold the pipe in place while you pour cement in the hole, use 4 lengths of 2″x4″ of varying lengths. The longest should be about 3′ in length and the shortest about a 1′. Notch a V into one end of each 2″x4″. This allows you to wedge the pipe into the 2″x4″. Place the pipe in the hole with the threaded facing side upwards. Set up one 2″x4″ on each side of the pipe, and adjust the pipe until you have it roughly plumb. |
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| A post level is necessary to ensure that the pipe is plumb. Attach it about midway up the pipe. |
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| Mix up some concrete in a wheelbarrow or a large metal washtub. Shovel the concrete into the posthole up to an inch from ground level. Leaving 1″ of space will allow you to cover the unsightly concrete with mulch or soil. |
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| Be sure to check the post level after you are finished putting concrete in the hole. Adjust the pipe if necessary. |
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| Wait at least a day for the concrete to set. In order to mount your birdhouse, you will need a threaded flange like this one. Flanges such as this can be found in the plumbing section of your local hardware store. Screw the flange onto the end of the pipe. |
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| Center the birdhouse on the top of the flange, and use 1″ wood screws to secure it in place. |