I'm interested in building a pole shed on my property. I'll be using pine. I don't have a kiln or a mill or anything like that at this time. I'm interested in setting some poles in the ground, but have no idea how long something like that would last. Not very long I'm guessing. Is there any way to "treat" a fresh cut tree to keep bugs and moisture out. Seems like I remember something green my Dad used to use when I was a kid when he'd cut boards. Napthanate, or something like that? From what I've read here, I figure I need to strip all the bark off, but not sure how to treat. I just closed on 60 acres and want to build a farm, but I don't even have a tractor yet. :)
Hello and welcome to the forum I guess is proper, I am not a real professional, but I have a project going myself.
I did a little research for you by searching "wood preservative" and found 2 products (there are probably more out there) - Copper-Green and Woodlife CopperCoat. Woodlife also has a product called Creocoat, that is a black color. I can't say which one is better or if one is better on this or that kind of wood or vice versa. I hope I'm not breaking any rules concerning naming of a product. You could have did that yourself BTW but since you asked I figured I'd help, plus I am taking a break after applying some stain to a group of lumber and am kind of tired. zzzz_smiley
I checked locally here and can get wood CCA treated for $190.00/ Kbft. Well worth it to me if your gonna use pine. That was at a .8 treatment which is ground contact. I don't know where you are from but you could check in your area. That's a good price rather than having to paint and wait :D
Copper napthenate is a good preservative above ground. Not so much a paint on treatment for ground contact. Nearly useless if the timber is not well seasoned.
Here in the south the poles would be starting to rot as soon as they cured out in the ground. If you can't afford treated poles or timbers you might want to rethink your design. Unless you live way far north.
Welcome! If you update your profile with location information you're likely to get better, more informed advice. Soil conditions will affect the longevity of the poles. For my location treated wood fares a lot better underground than above ground, provided it is well drained. If your soil doesn't drain well, you might consider crushed gravel under and around the poles to facilitate drainage.
Sorry, I thought I had put my location in. I'm in west central Georgia. I did look, but couldn't figure out what I was looking at. I'll check for pressure treating stuff in my area. I didn't realize people did that in small quantities, I thought only big companies like Georgia Pacific did it on products they sold. I've got tons of trees and just thought that be a more cost effective way to go than buying posts, but maybe not. I appreciate everyone's input.
Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Lookin4GoodLife.
I would not "self treat". Black Locust is the only species that I would consider using below ground. If that is not available, I would used "store bought" treated timbers in the ground, but look closely at the label. Some are treated for below ground use but some are for only above ground use. Do not cement any poles in the ground. Tamp with gravel/dirt.