They have been replacing the telephone poles on my street, since before Christmas. I asked the linesmen about the poles and they have given me 30 some poles, so far.

I am planning to use some poles for line and gate posts. I have access to a portable saw mill and have a metal detector to remove all the nails and staples. There is probably 30 pounds of copper ground wire stapled to the poles and some huge bolts.

I thought about making some raised beds, but I am concerned about the wood preservatives used. Are they an issue?

I have also thought about building a large tower, box blind for deer hunting too.

Any other good uses for the poles?

Keith

Back stop for shooting range

know of a guy that build a cabin out of them turn out great

Shed pilings or skids.

You can put one in a spot that doesn’t have a good tree , and then put a ladder stand there. Somewhere that only
has brush or small trees for cover.

Keith,
I think the inside of the pole would be ok for using in a raised bed. Take to the saw mill and cut off the outside inch or so to clean wood.

Can be used as a rudimentary cover crop roller. Chain it to the back of a tractor or vehicle and go to town. Might want to cut it into halves/quarters.

Creosote on them poles wouldn't be good for a garden.

Tree stands

Some of those old poles are not treated. They are cedar and when split make great split rail for fencing or even building material if you have a sawmill. LLL

Pole barn posts.
Pavilion posts
And ADC is right about them not being good for gardening, unless you line the inside

corner posts for barbwire fence. put an ad on craigslist. you wont have them very long.

Now you tell me Lol

Depending on what type of wood they are, and the size of the pole , you can make some nice lumber. I have used them to build my pole barn. Milled rafters ., strapping etc . I worked for a utility and had access to lots of them. If you happen to get some western cedar, they may be just butt treated . The upper logs can be used for interior work. Got some yellow pine. Have been making bird houses. Pile them up off the ground , you will be amazed what you will think up. old243

Deadfall set for Bigfoot

They say floating particles can be harmful.
So if I breathe some in, a smoke a cigarette and that don't float around in my lungs
So they can't hurt me

Pig castrator... put the pig's under parts on a flat rock, take a crane and lift the pole above the flat rock and... well, you know.

I have used a lot of them for many different purposes. I used them for my foundation buried in ground and built cabin on top of them. I also built a shop and pole barn/garage and fencing.

Are the pole for phone or electric. My guess the poles are from an electric supplier not a phone company.

The preservative is pretty much gone by the time they are replaced. The white soft ones are cedar. They are usually class 1. Which is a bigger diameter. They can be saw into beautiful beams.

Build yourself a nice dock. If you don't have a pond make one, it might be easier to build the dock while making a new pond.