McFarland Cascade relies on state of the art processes and technologies designed to extend product performance and life. We’re also working hard to minimize our impact on the environment. To maintain our leadership position, we regularly invest in the latest technology for our industry. Our people are also highly trained in product handling and quality control. Experience has taught us it’s the combination of technology and manual observation throughout the production process that ensures the best products. It’s one more reason you can expect the best from us.

Air Seasoning: Drying by use of air, where the air temperature is not more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit, either in the open or under cover.

Boulton Drying: Drying by heating in a nonaqueous solution under vacuum.

Kiln Drying: Drying by the use of heated air at temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above, in batch or progressive-type kilns.

Steam Conditioning: Subjecting poles to steam in a closed vessel, prior to treatment.

McFarland Cascade treats utility poles with the following, carefully-selected preservatives:

Pentachlorophenol (Penta)
A widely-used wood preservative that is normally dissolved in a petroleum carrier. It’s the most commonly used preservative system utilized by North American utilities.

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)
A water-borne treatment that offers a wide range of advantages for treated lumber, timber and poles. It’s clean, odorless and paintable. For poles, its use is limited to southern yellow pine, pinus sylvestris, and western red cedar.

Creosote
An oil-based wood preservative blended from the distillation of coal tar and comprised of more than 200 major constituents. Used only in industrial applications, such as railroad ties, piling (both salt water and fresh water), and for poles.

Copper Azole (CA-B)
A water-borne copper based wood preservative with an organic co-biocide (Tebuconazol). Similar in color, to CCA-C, it is odorless, clean and paintable or stainable. Copper Azole is approved by the American Wood Preservers Association for use on Western Red Cedar and Southern Yellow Pine utility poles.