Wood Pole Maintenance

Article Figures & Data

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Fig. 1.
External and internal decay just below groundline on a southern yellow pine pole.
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Figure 2.
A Shigometer. Pulsed current instrument used to locate decay in trees and poles.

Table 1.

Comparison of the Types of Inspection Programs.

Type of Inspection	Cycle	Approx. Cost	Remarks
1. Visual & Sounding	Yearly	$.75/pole	Almost worthless. Even misses danger poles. Does nothing to maintain your plant.
2. Visual, Sonic Inspect, & Bore	2-3 Years	$2.80/pole	Finds 40-50% of the bad poles. Caution must be exercised or good poles with shake are thrown out. Should find most danger poles. Does nothing to maintain plant.
3. Visual, Sound & Bore	2-3 Years	$2.00/pole	Finds about 50-60% of the bad poles and most danger poles. Does nothing to maintain plant.
4. Visual, Partial Excavate, Sound & Bore	3-5 Years	$2-$4.00/pole	80-90% of the rejects can be located. Fair inspection but does not prolong the life of pole plant.
5. Excavate 6-8″ around entire circumference, inspect and treat to 18″ all poles with decay or defects.	5-6 Years	$6-$7.00/pole	90-95% of rejects can be located. Good inspection and most of the poles that would fail early are treated. Usually treat approximately 20% or more of the older poles.
6. Visual, Excavate, Sound & Bore and Groundline Treat	8-10 Yrs.	$9-$12/pole	99% of all rejects are located. Most economical in long run as the life of pole plant is extended.