Protecting Douglas-fir pile tops from internal decay: a 15-year field trial

The ability of chemicals and caps, alone or in combination, to prevent top decay in Douglas-fir pile sections was investigated over 15 years. Culture of increment cores revealed that capping sharply limited fungal colonization, as did application of the diffusible biocides ammonium bifluoride or fluor-chrome-arsenic-phenol. A third diffusible biocide, boron, was less effective. Applying pentachlorophenol, one of the pile-top treatments recommended by the American Wood Preserver’s Association, in combination with a cap provided slightly less protection than did capping piles that received diffusible treatments. Diffusibility appears to enhance markedly the effectiveness of remedial pile-top treatments.

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