Utility poles

[Boyd]

Driving down a small road near me this morning I noticed that someone had dug holes around many of the utility poles (phone/power). A little further down the road, a worker had a "kit" and was doing something in the hole, maybe applying a chemical or taking a sample? These were just shallow holes, maybe a foot deep that "ringed" the poles. Still further down the road there was another guy and a van that had a name something like "utilimap" on it.

When I returned on the same road about 15 or 20 minutes later, they were gone and all the holes had been filled in. Any clue what was happening? Termite or other insect treatment maybe?

 

[dogg57]

Maybe something like what these guys do
http://www.imlusa.com/Resistograph_Pole_Inspection_Publication.pdf

 

[Boyd]

Could be, although I didn't see any equipment like that.

 

[LARGO]

Driving down a small road near me this morning I noticed that someone had dug holes around many of the utility poles (phone/power). A little further down the road, a worker had a "kit" and was doing something in the hole, maybe applying a chemical or taking a sample? These were just shallow holes, maybe a foot deep that "ringed" the poles. Still further down the road there was another guy and a van that had a name something like "utilimap" on it.

When I returned on the same road about 15 or 20 minutes later, they were gone and all the holes had been filled in. Any clue what was happening? Termite or other insect treatment maybe?

Yessir, just texted a buddy of mine who delivers and sets poles for Verizon.
They simply dig out around, prod the poles and treat if necessary. Old school stuff.
No fancy electronics like in Dogg's link. Same end result though.

g.

There are birds, and sticks, and trees - Jason

 

[Boyd]

Thanks! So they're treating for insects, like termites then?

 

[dogg57]

Yes on the Termites and rot.........
Inspecting each pole takes just minutes. Workers typically dig 20 inches deep around each pole, then drill several holes with a 7/8-inch auger so a probe can be inserted into the pole to detect rot or decay. Plastic caps will cover each drilled hole.
When the work at each pole is finished, the hole is refilled with dirt and a shiny metallic marker – a little larger than a silver dollar – is affixed to the wood marking the date of inspection.

 

[Boyd]

Cool. I learn something new on this site almost every day.

 

[Teegate]

They sometimes actually put corks in the holes. I see them often. The metal ring they put on them can also be found throughout the pines on bridges. They inspect them and put the rings on.