Q. We’re often asked when is the best time to treat a newly installed fence. A. The fence materials travel a long way before it’s actually installed in your backyard or commercial application. Once the lumber leaves the lumber mill it goes to the retailer or the contractor before reaching the end user, you! All that travel time allows for some drying. The pickets are almost good to go within the first week. Some builders suggest waiting a couple weeks or months before applying any kind of treatment. The problem with doing that could result in quick development of mold and mildew deep penetration of the boards. Since pressure treated (P.T.) pine is delivered wet from the lumber mill, it takes a couple of days or maybe weeks before the green color fades. The lumber mills have taken diligent care to making the pressure treated process safer and greener; however, the trade-off is that the younger lumber doesn’t get the time to mature before being cut and processed. Subsequently, when left untreated without a preservation such as Stain-n-Seal solution treatment, the lumber doesn’t preserve as well when left exposed to the elements even for a shorter period of time. “The worst thing you can do is nothing”