How to Install a Garden Flag Pole

Choose the flag and pole.

• 1

  Decide on the size of the flag to be displayed. A small 15 X 18-inch flag can be displayed on a 3-foot pole. A 5 X 5-foot flag needs a pole of up to 20 feet high. The poles will need to have an additional 3 feet to bury in the ground.

• 2

  Decide how frequently the flag will be changed. U.S. flags are often brought down at night, for instance. Consider a telescoping flag pole if the flag is changed frequently, or is constantly raised and lowered.

• 3

  Decide what material the pole should be made of. Aluminum or other rust-resistant metals and PVC pipe will work, but may not be as attractive as wood. A wooden pole should be moisture resistant.

• 4

  If possible, attach the flag to the pole using screws by drilling holes where each end of the flag will meet the pole. The screws keep the flag tightly against the pole. If the pole is pre-bought, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• 5

  Pick the spot where you want the pole and dig a 3-foot-deep hole. For a PVC pipe or other hollow pole, fill the bottom of the pole with pebbles or stones for stability before placing it in the hole. For larger poles or poles subject to strong winds, make a 3-foot-deep hole very close to the width of the pole with a post hole digger. Lay a concrete base for stability.

• 6

  Place flag pole into the hole and fill around it with stones or pebbles, packing it as tightly as possible to keep it straight and stable. For the larger poles or those subject to wind, fill any remaining space in the hole by pouring in dirt and packing it tightly.

• 7

  Set up a form to hold the concrete around the base of the pole. The form can be of any shape desired and can consist of garden edging or pieces of wood. Make sure the ends of the form are firmly attached to each other. Buy enough quick drying concrete to fill the form and make the base. After pouring the concrete into the form around the base of the pole, smooth the surface with a trowel. The concrete usually takes one or two days to dry.