09/15/2026
Brown rot is one of the most
deceptive forms of wood pole decay...
It’s often hard to detect from the surface. By the time visible signs appear, deterioration has usually been working quietly below grade.
Brown rot is commonly found 7–9 inches below groundline — exactly where structural demand is highest.
And simple borings aren’t always enough. In many cases, it’s difficult to detect by feel alone
This is why groundline assessment matters.
And why inspection must go beyond what looks obvious.
At Exo, we focus on identifying the type of decay, where it’s occurring, and how it affects structural capacity — so utilities can prioritize real risk before failure makes the decision for them.