Whenever there is a discussion regarding anything related to Trellis Systems or Hop Yards in general, much of what is considered to be the "best" or "required" always seems to be tied to commercial growers. This is in large part due to the fact that commercial growers are really the largest percentage of those employing trellis systems for hops, but the small scale farmer has a lot of options to them. It quite different to build a system for say a quarter acre yard that may only have two hundred or so plants than say a fifty acre commercial hop farm. And these systems do not all have to be the same. Success for a small scale grower may simply just be enough yield for home brewing. This does not require 20 foot poles in the ground. Short Trellis systems can be employed with netting to grow hops as well and with reduced costs. Some have used eight to twelve feet poles for these systems and can work just fine. Obviously, the needs for commercial growers are very different and the need to maximize yield is the reason most have systems twenty feet or so high.
In keeping with whole farm practices, sustainable principles and making sure if your preference is be as natural or organic as possible it is best to use trees that you have on the property if possible. It is important to note that your goals must be fully though out before you proceed with ordering poles if you are not using trees natural to the property. If you are planning to approach your growing from an "organic" regimen and wish later to seek USDA designations than you MUST NOT use treated woods, poles, etc from say your local lumber yard or retailer. Many have done this and later regretted the investment when they learned that these kinds of poles or telephone style poles will not meet the grade when it comes to certifications.
There are certainly sources in virtually every State one can locate to source natural trees for poles. Black Locust poles, while highly regarded as the best also come with a steeper price tag than some of the other varieties. Natural to many of the yards we work with ar Poplar, Cedar,Pine and Ash. The knock on some of these is that they may not last as long as others, but one must also factor in dramatically reduced costs for using trees on the property for the trellis. Poles can run growers upwards of $90 if trellising 20 feet high with 4 feet under ground anchoring (24 feet solid poles). Many small scale growers have as many as 18 poles - 3 rows of 6 poles spaced anywhere from 30 to 40 feet apart. The cost of this would top 1,600 for the poles ,especially if sourcing the highly sought after varieties which may or may not include delivery charges.
Savings: Try and locate tree suitable in terms of diameter and height on the property. If none available, source as locally as possible and work with your Forestry Department to locate farms willing to provide poles. Even if you have to cut the poles and have them delivered it can be cheaper than paying shipping and delivery charges from commercial tree providers.
You may also be able to contact other growers or a cooperative to locate sourcing for those willing to provide new growers with poles as well.
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