Edging

What ho one and all,

When we built the house, for the front garden, I used tanalized timber to separate the gravel drive and the grass/bed area. This is what I have seen at RHS Wisley for their gravel paths.

I know that buried timber is not the greatest idea, but the timber at Wisley still looks good but mine is rotting and breaking after only four years.

It is not such a big job to replace it, but what is the best method to ensure somewhat greater longevity? I don't want the expense of a brick edging, and in any case, it would look wrong since the garden is somewhat 'rustic and natural.' Would painting the replacement timber with some kind of tar be an idea?

SWMBO has suggested 'EverEdge' but I know what is under the soil and I really don't think that I would be able to hammer that into the ground.

Any suggestions will be gratefully taken on board.

Many thanks and toodle pip.

Rex

 

If i use any timber that is to be put into the ground, i soak the timber in a creosote and engine oil mix (new engine oil) for as long as pos so it soak all the way to the middle, i've got fence post here that are 30 year old and have not roted yet, but it also depends on how good the timber is in the first place as well

 

Thanks; that is an excellent idea. I would not be able to soak as the timber is 4x1 and about 4m long. But painting and leaving for a few weeks to soak in may help.

Since I do my own oil change, I could keep the old oil from the next change.

As you say, it all depends on how good the timber is in the first place, and these days, in my opinion, it is fast growing c**p, sold to make a fast buck.

 

If you can't soak it, then paint it on every day for a few weeks to get it well in to the timber
If you use old engine old then the wood will be darker in colour, thats why i use new oil

 

Do you have any pictures?

 

Don't mind it being black. One section that I replaced last year, I painted with synthetic black bitumen in an effort to prolong its life, but I think that oil would be better.

You mentioned creosote and oil. Why the creosote? What does that add that oil will not do?

Photos? Not a problem but I assume that you want photos of the broken, rotten, timber edging?

 

I've always use creosote (don't tell any one, but i like the smell) but it fades quick so i put engine oil in it and it would last longer never looked back
creosote goes straight into the timber but the oil will be harder so that's why i mix them together