Abstract: The invention provides a pole installation guide for the installation and removal of large poles, such as utility poles. The guide includes an elongate guide body with a curved surface adapted for receiving and slidingly engaging poles for insertion into a receiving hole. The guide body has an upper portion extending above the hole and a lower portion extending into the hole. Intermediate the upper and lower portions is located a ground plate, preferably equipped with spikes for engaging the ground surface, for supporting and retaining the guide body in place when the installation guide is in use.