Arts and Entertainment What is a direct burial pole? How do you direct bury poles? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7grcIJ_5vOU How deep do you bury a light pole? Poles are typically set into the ground: 10% of the overall height + 2 feet, except in questionable soil conditions. Example: Overall pole height: 30 feet, the pole should be buried: 3 feet + 2 feet = 5 feet below grade, and 25 feet above grade.