We would like to point out and be honest that due to forced changes in the type of treatment allowed these days, the whole industry is getting reports that the round and half round stakes are not lasting more than 4 years in some cases. The alternative is to use pressure creosoted stakes or UC4 / HC4 stakes, where the timber has been kiln dried before treatment. It is also thought that stakes made from pine or larch (Redwood) will last 15 years or so. On June 30th 2004 the old type of treatment (CCA) was banned by the EU. In their view, this was because of its effect as a toxin, a carcinogen and a teratogen. Two alternative treatments used today are called Tanalith E and Osmose Naturewood and it certainly looks as though it is not as effective as the old CCA when used on timber in ground contact.