Bricks make another good alternative to landscaping timbers. They can be a little more expensive that cement pavers. But, like pavers, they last forever and come in a range of styles, shapes, and colors. This makes them perfect for use in a number of applications.

Similarly, Where can I get free railroad ties?

Check local Craigslist, and other marketplaces like Facebook, OfferUp, many of these platforms have the “Near Me” functions, showing results within your area, while the chances of finding railroad ties for free are slim, you might be able to get a good deal.

Additionally, What can I use to border my garden?
Let’s begin!

  1. Brick. Brick is perhaps the most traditional garden edging option, and for good reason. …
  2. Sea Shells. We just had to put this utterly unique idea near the top of our list. …
  3. Gabion. …
  4. Stones. …
  5. Cinder Blocks. …
  6. Log Edging. …
  7. Woven Wood. …
  8. Terracotta Pipes.

What can I use instead of edging?


Gardeners can choose from a wide choice of edging alternatives, each with its own benefits.

  1. Plastic. Plastic is one of the most cost-effective edging materials, although it is not the most attractive. …
  2. Wood. …
  3. Metal. …
  4. Pavers. …
  5. Other Alternatives.

What to use instead of edging?

Slabs, blocks, large rocks or paving stones in different sizes not only edge your lawn, but also add interest, color and texture. Leave small pockets between stones to add vegetation and soften the edges, or butt the stones against each other for a defined edge.

What does CSX do with old railroad ties?

Railroad Tie Fuel

National removes the ties and sorts them according to quality and wear, selling some for reuse in projects such as fences and retaining walls and grinding the rest to be used as boiler fuel.

Why are railroad ties illegal?

Are they safe to eat now? A: The reason the EPA has made illegal the use of treated railroad ties in vegetable gardens is the fact that they are treated with coal tar creosote, a pesticide registered both with the EPA and the state of Oregon.

What does the railroad do with old ties?

Many of the used ties, which on average are 30 years old, are burned to produce heat and electricity, and the remainder are recycled as landscaping timbers or disposed of in landfills, according to Nicole LabbĂ©, Pyoungchung Kim, and their colleagues at the University of Tennessee’s Center for Renewable Carbon.

What is the best edging for gardens?

deep strips of steel, aluminum or plastic. The metal lawn edging bends easily into smooth, graceful curves and stops the spread of grass roots. However, painted aluminum and steel offer the sleekest, most refined garden edging look because they almost disappear against the grass and garden bed.

What is the cheapest garden edging?


Simple and Cheap Garden Edging Ideas

  • Cinder block garden edging.
  • Use steel edges.
  • use a gabion wall.
  • get creative with terracotta pots.
  • glass bottle edging.
  • Scrap wood used as garden edging.
  • Wooden logs raised beds.
  • using pallets as a garden edge.

Is garden edging necessary?

Edging keeps lawn grass from invading the garden beds, but isn’t necessary if you cut a narrow trough an inch or so deeper than the grass roots, all around your beds, and maintain it weekly. … Edging goes in with the little curled-up “V” at the bottom facing the bed, not the lawn.

How can I edge my garden cheaply?


Simple and Cheap Garden Edging Ideas

  1. Cinder block garden edging.
  2. Use steel edges.
  3. use a gabion wall.
  4. get creative with terracotta pots.
  5. glass bottle edging.
  6. Scrap wood used as garden edging.
  7. Wooden logs raised beds.
  8. using pallets as a garden edge.

Is edging necessary for landscaping?

From a practical standpoint, landscape edging helps to keep turfgrass from creeping into surrounding garden areas. At the same time, it prevents soil or mulch in garden beds from spilling onto the lawn whenever you water or it rains.

Can you buy railroad ties from CSX?

Railroad Ties

If you wish to purchase scrap ties, contact National Salvage & Service Corporation at 1-800-769-8437.

How much does a railroad tie weigh?

They range from 100 to 300 pounds. Railroad ties can weigh as much as 200 pounds.

Does BNSF sell railroad ties?

BNSF – Communities – BNSF and the Environment

Railroads are by far the most environmentally friendly mode of surface transportation, and BNSF is a leader in the rail ind… Hello Theresa, unfortunately, due to environmental laws, we are unable to distribute old ties to members of the general public.

Do old railroad ties attract termites?

Any wood that is on the ground in your yard will be attractive to worker termites. … If you use railroad ties, or some other old wood as a border around your garden or flower bed, consider replacing this wood with stones.

Do railroad ties have metal in them?

Railroad ties are traditionally made of wood, but prestressed concrete is now also widely used, especially in Europe and Asia. … As of January 2008, the approximate market share in North America for traditional and wood ties was 91.5%, the remainder being concrete, steel, azobĂ© (red ironwood) and plastic composite.

Is creosote toxic?

Creosote is Toxic

Irritated Skin – If you come into physical contact with creosote, you may notice rashes or other reactions. Irritated Eyes – Creosote can cause sensitivity to light or even symptoms that mirror chemical burns in your eyes.

How are railroad ties disposed of?

Chemically treated wood including telephone/power poles or railway ties are not classified as hazardous waste and can be disposed of in Class I or Class II landfills provided that prior landfill operator permission is obtained.

Do railroads sell used ties?

Home Depot sells used railroad ties, you can order them online and have them deliver to your place. They measure 7 in x 9 in x 8 ft and they weigh about 150 lbs. … Buy railroad ties from Home Depot.

Are railroad ties worth anything?

If you buy them online, used railroad spikes cost ROUGHLY (it will fluctuate) $.80/spike to $1.30/spike – this doesn’t include shipping. Buying in bulk will get you a lower per unit price and will generally save you money on shipping.

What material is best for edging?


5 edging materials for your lawn

  • Bricks. Bricks are a common option, more often than not because there are some left over after the house was built, but they are a nice solid choice that will create a nice wide edge for separating your lawn from your garden beds.
  • Concrete. …
  • Plastic. …
  • Timber sleepers (pine and hardwood)

What is the easiest edging to install?

No-dig edging is the easiest to install, since all you typically have to do is pound stakes into the ground. On the other end of the spectrum, stone or brick edging will require using mud mortar and sometimes even cutting the stone with an angle grinder to make the joints fit together.

How do I choose landscape edging?


How to Choose Lawn Edging

  1. Assess your garden design. …
  2. Consider your budget. …
  3. Look for quality products that will endure your local climate. …
  4. Write down the advantages and disadvantages of the most common lawn edging type.