Be sure your wood is safe!

While doing research into fencing for my garden, I fell down a hole.

I was looking at using recyled products in the garden and came across articles mentioning on railroad ties. Consider today's blog a short publice service announcement.

 "Avoid Railroad Ties!"

As tempting as may seem to use them for raised beds, retaining walls and garden steps. DON'T!

Railroad ties are coated with creosote which contains over 300 chemicals.

What the EPA says….

https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/creosote

Very nasty stuff.

Alternatives?

Natural Incense Cedar-easy to work with, resists warping!

Very Stright Grained! Contains natural Tannins and phenolic compounds that are toxic to decaying fungi and repulsive to insects!

Natural Juniper - long lasting. Western Juniper was studied at OSU …Way back

in 1927! Untreated juniper posts were “planted” near Corvallis.  At their "POST FARM" In 1996 they were still there!  That is nearly 70 years! The only woods performing better were Black Locust and Osage Orange. Issue-- Harder to Source!