Securing yard signs in the ground may seem like a simple task. But here at Yard Sign Plus, we understand that it involves more than just jamming a wire stake into the ground. There are standard steps you can follow to ensure your yard signs stay on the ground as long as you need them.

Whether you are advertising an event, preparing for the election season, or selling real estate, the stability of your yard signs can make or break your campaign. Follow the steps below to effectively secure your yard signs in the ground.

Step 1 - Gather the Materials Needed

Gather everything you need first to ensure the installation process is smooth. You don’t have to stop midway through the installation just to get a missing item. Here are the essential materials you need to secure yard signs in the ground.

Yard Sign

This is the outdoor yard sign that contains the message you want to display. At Yard Sign Plus, we have corrugated plastic signs with customizable designs. Choose from a variety of templates with different design elements, colors, and sizes to suit your needs.

The high-quality 4mm-thick corrugated plastic and ultraviolet (UV) ink of our custom yard signs protect against all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and heat. With these features, you can ensure the longevity of your yard signs in the ground and prevent expensive replacements.

Stakes

These are the supports that hold your signs in place. They can be made of metal or plastic. At Yard Sign Plus, we have metal wire stakes that ensure the durability of your yard signs. You can find the option of adding stakes while you are designing your custom signs on our website.

Installation Tools

You can have a successful installation with just your yard sign and stakes, but these installation tools can make your life easier. This is especially true if you are dealing with installation problems such as hard soil. Here are the installation tools you should consider:

Step 2 - Assess the Ground Condition

It’s crucial to assess the ground conditions to ensure your signs remain secure. Different ground conditions can affect the ease of installation and the stability of your yard signs. Below is a quick overview of common ground conditions and how to deal with them.

The moisture content of the soil can also impact installation

Dry soil presents the fewest problems. It can be tough to dig, but you can loosen it with water and it will still provide great stability. Wet soil can be problematic, but it’s easy to dig and you can pack the soil tightly around your stakes to make them more secure.

Frozen ground is the most challenging

If you don’t need to install yard signs immediately, consider waiting for the ground to thaw. But if you really need to install yard signs, use a post-hole digger to penetrate the frozen ground.

Step 3 - Prepare the Ground for Installation

Set the foundation for secure and stable yard signs. With proper ground preparation, you can install yard signs properly and let them endure environmental factors such as wind. Here is a clear step-by-step process on how to prepare the ground for installation:

1. Clear the installation area. Throw away branches, rocks, and other debris that could interfere with the installation. Trim grass or weeds that might get in the way of your stakes.
2. Level the ground. Nature often presents the challenge of uneven ground. Use a shovel or a garden rake to level the installation area if necessary. An uneven surface can cause your signs to tilt or fall over, so achieving a standard level ground is crucial.
3. Mark the spots where you want to place your yard signs. Use markers such as stones to mark the exact location of your stakes. They also help you assess if your signs are visible and properly aligned.
4. Dig the necessary holes. Use a shovel for softer ground conditions or a pickaxe or post hole digger for harder ground conditions.
5. Ensure proper depth. Make sure the holes are deep enough to support your stakes. Generally, stakes should be buried at least 12 inches deep for stability.

Step 4 - Insert the Stakes and Install the Yard Sign

After preparing the ground, it’s time to insert stakes and install yard signs. Here is a clear step-by-step process for inserting stakes in the ground and attaching the signs to the stakes:

1. Position the stakes at the marked spots on the ground. Make sure your stakes are properly aligned to avoid installing tilted yard signs.
2. Insert the stakes in the holes. Push the stakes into the ground by applying steady pressure. You can do this by hand if the soil is sandy or soft. But if the soil is hard or rocky, use standard tools such as mallets. Tap the stakes to push them deeper, but be gentle to avoid the risk of damaging them.
3. Secure the stakes depending on the ground condition. After assessing the ground condition, you should be ready by now to execute the solution to the ground condition problems you encounter. Look at the table in Step 2 as a reference. 
4. Attach the yard sign to the stakes. This can be complicated depending on your yard sign and stake designs. For example, some designs require nails and screws to secure the signs to the stakes. But at Yard Sign Plus, we make installation simple. Our yard signs have corrugated holes along the top and bottom edges. Simply insert the stakes into the holes for easy installation.

That’s it. You have finally secured your yard signs in the ground. Clear away any debris, soil, or tools around your signs to make the display area more appealing. With a few more security and stability techniques, you can make your signs stand the test of time.

Step 5 - Secure the Yard Sign in the Ground

Yard signs that are securely anchored in the ground are less likely to be damaged or stolen. Here are additional securing techniques to keep your signs firmly in place.

Reinforce the Soil Around the Stakes

Gather soil around the stakes to make your yard signs more secure in the ground. The packed soil in the ground helps create a solid foundation that can stabilize your stakes and prevent them from tilting. This is an effective measure to create long-lasting signage.

Use your hands to firmly press the soil around the stakes. If you don’t want to get dirty, you can also use your feet to stick the soil in place.

Add More Structural Support

Extra stability is ideal for unstable soil conditions and windy areas. Cross-bracing is a popular technique you can try. Attach horizontal braces between your stakes to help them withstand soft ground and wind.

You can also add metal rods to the ground next to the stakes and secure them with clamps and zip ties.

Double-check alignment and Firmness

You can use a level to check if the yard signs are properly aligned. If they are not, you can adjust them by hand or use a mallet to gently tap the stakes until you achieve perfect alignment.

As a final test of firmness and stability, gently shake the signs. If they tilt or wobble, add more soil around the stakes or reinforce the stakes with cross-braces and metal rods.

Install Yard Signs for Your Event

At Yard Sign Plus, we understand that yard signs are not just here to convey a message. They are also here to show your attention to detail and commitment to quality. Reflect your professionalism in your campaigns with well-secured yard signs on the ground.

Whether you are in the market for simple birthday party yard signs or complex political campaigns during the election season, we have the yard signs and stakes you need for well-secured signage.

Browse our wide variety of templates and customize them as you please. If you need more customization options, contact us and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.