When sounding a pole to detect decay, should you start at ground level and work upward?

• A. Yes, start at ground level and work upward
• B. No, start at the top and work downward
• C. Yes, start at the mid-point and proceed upward
• D. No, you should not sound poles

Answer: (B)

The technique relies on listening for changes in sound quality as you move along the length of the pole, and doing this from the top down is most effective for identifying decay early and accurately. Starting at the top lets you detect hollow or softened sections first, where decay often begins, and then you can trace how far it extends as you work downward. This approach reduces the chance that hidden defects toward the upper portion go unnoticed and helps you assess overall safety before you proceed further or apply load to the pole.

Starting at ground level can be problematic because the base area is more exposed to moisture and soil conditions, which can mask or distort the sound, making it harder to distinguish true decay. Beginning at a mid-point skips the ends, which are common places for decay to progress, and not sounding at all would miss critical information about the pole’s integrity.