Telephone poles what type of wood

Wood poles have achieved a long record of in-place performance where the service life has been extended to 70 years or more.

In the U. Longevity and durability are essential requirements for utility poles. As a natural material, wood poles exposed to the outdoors face significant threats from predators such as mold, decay fungi and insects like termites and wood borers. These organisms seek to break down the wood fiber, reducing the structural soundness and serviceability of the wood. Preservative treating creates a chemical barrier that protects wood poles from these threats, allowing them to remain in service for decades.

The preservatives are not just on the surface, they are infused deep into the wood to provide long-lasting protection. As a result, the service life of a wood pole can be extended to as long as 70 years or more.

The treating process utilizes pressure that forces the preservatives into the wood fiber. While there are a variety of preservatives used today, the manufacturing process is virtually the same for all. Getting the best pole starts in the woods. Logs that have the potential to become wood poles are selected in the forest, often while the trees are still standing.

Trees are judged for length, straightness, taper and other characteristics that may impact the load-carrying abilities. In a typical stand of timber, only 7 percent of the trees have the qualities needed to make a utility pole. They are then harvested and transported to manufacturing with trailers specifically designed to accommodate the longer timber.

Not looking to get rich but I thought a reasonable sum for them is fair. Are they worth anything for a better use than fire? Thank you for your time. Hi Mark. There are a lot of factors that go into the value of a tree, so it would help to have a forestry professional take a look at the specific trees on your land. There are some great resources that can help you connect with someone with the right expertise. Most counties in the U. Other resources that may be able to help would be your state forestry service or the state forestry association.

I am Based in Guyana, south america and we make utility poles of varying lengths from Wallaba trees. How long do the poles have to be and what diameter? I have 80 yr old red pine that appear to make good poles in Indiana. Hi Mark! It would depend on the specific needs of the nearest pole mill to your property. Most poles are made from southern yellow pine, Douglas fir or western red cedar, though other conifers are also used.

According to the North American Wood Poles Council, only 7 percent of the trees in a typical plantation will have the length, straightness, taper and other characteristics necessary for a utility pole. After harvesting and transport to the lumber yard, the trunk is debarked, shaped to make it as straight as possible and classified according to ANSI standards. Holes are drilled to allow for the attachment of hardware and to provide access for preservatives to the interior of the pole.

They are then seasoned by air and kiln drying or steamed in long pressurized cylinders called retorts. Without the final step of infusion with preservatives, a pole would be lucky to last five years against the onslaught of an army of decomposers. Typically, one of five EPA-approved preservatives is pumped into a long retort containing a cart supporting a couple dozen poles.

The preservatives are driven into the cells of the wood under high pressure for a period of time that varies depending on pole size, tree species and type of preservative. The whole process from tree selection through preservation is nicely illustrated in a five minute YouTube video youtube. These include composite materials, aluminum, steel and even concrete.

Installing utility lines underground is another alternative to wooden pressure-treated poles. The lumber industry represented by the North American Wood Pole Counsel argues that wood poles are a better and more cost-effective alternative to man-made materials and that safety concerns regarding the effects of treatment chemicals on groundwater supplies are exaggerated.

Many experts outside of the industry disagree.