How does the center of a pole get treated?
Softwoods such as southern yellow pine are made up of thousands of elongated wood cells that are closed at the ends. These cells are called tracheids and can be compared to a bundle of very small straws glued together. The wall of each tracheid has a series of openings called pits that enable fluids to be transferred from one cell to another during the life of a tree. These openings provide for passage of treating solution into the wood. Because the tracheids and pits are very small and may be plugged with resins, pressure is needed to push the treating solution deep into the wood.

Why do industry standards mention tree rings?
ANSI pole standards require no fewer than six annual growth rings in the outer 2 inces at the butt. This requirement helps ensure the strength of the pole; fewer rings means faster growth and a greater percentage of springwood, which is less dense than summerwood.

How do I read a pole brand?

Why Southern yellow pine?
Southern yellow pine (comprising longleaf, shortleaf, loblolly and slash pine species) is plentiful and fast growing, plus it's the strongest softwood for its weight. It grows tall, and its shape is well suited for poles. Southern yellow pine is also one of the most easily treated species.

What is Straight?
It's rare to find a tree that is perfectly straight, but as long as the following ANSI criteria are met, a poll will provide excellent service:

1. The sweep (or crook) is in one plane and one direction, with no more than 1 inch deviation per 10 feet of length.
   
   
   
   
2. When the sweep is in two planes (double sweep) or in two directions in one plane (reverse sweep), a straight line connecting the mid-point at the groundline with the mid-point at the top does not pass through the surface of the pole at any intermediate point.