Double Wood is Double Trouble

When a pole is replaced due to advanced decay/damage or replaced with a larger pole to accommodate additional attachments, the original pole is no longer suitable to remain in service and should be removed.  However, transfers often take longer than anticipated and sometimes, removal of the original pole "falls through the cracks," leaving double poles in place for months or even years. It's imperative that pole owners understand that "double wood" is not only unsightly, it can also be unsafe.

When you own the pole, you also own the responsibility (and therefore the liability).  The task of removing double wood ultimately falls to the pole owner.  Failure to do so in a timely manner can create a myriad of problems:

• Angry property owners
• Potential pole failure which could lead to injury and/or property damage
• Costly fines - as double wood becomes an increasing problem across the country, many city and county governments are resorting to fining pole owners in an attempt to remedy the problem.

If you have a double wood problem, Osmose can help.  Osmose pole pulling programs are supported by the company's commitment to safety, training, and project management.  Osmose crews are trained and certified to safely pull old poles.

• Setup safe work zone (including required traffic management)
• Inspect the pole
• Locate UG facilities (and hand excavate up to five feet if necessary)
• Address any obstacles to removal
• Remove pole using hydraulic jack
• Remove any and all hardware (including all risers - electric, telephone, and CATV)
• Load and haul poles
• Site restoration (haul dirt and backfill around the pole)

For more information, please contact your local Osmose professional (or email poleinfo@osmose.com to find out who your local Osmose professional is).