RE: landscape timbers

Hmm- not sure I can agree with you on this one Marge.  Recently they have
started testing trees for arsenic levels- particularly in one area nearby
here with a cancer cluster.  It was extremely elevated, same as another
place in Nevada with a cancer cluster.  They aren't sure where the arsenic
came from in these cases, but it definitely gives me pause for thought
regarding this toxin.

Theresa

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-gardenchat@hort.net [o*@hort.net]On
Behalf Of Marge Talt
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2003 9:58 PM
To: gardenchat@hort.net
Subject: Re: [CHAT] landscape timbers


Well, Bonnie, for over 20 years (and that's more than 10 years ago) I
had a veggie garden with raised beds made of treated landscape
timbers and I ain't died yet.  From what I have read, the arsenic
does not migrate far from the timber if it does degrade out of it at
al.  Just don't plant your radishes, beets and potatoes right next to
them and don't worry.  Plants do not pull the arsenic out of the
timbers.

If you need to remove them, just remove them and take them to the
dump.  No problem.  The problems with handling treated wood are
primarily in breathing sawdust that results from sawing it.  I
wouldn't chew on it, but other than that IMO there's no need to
stress about it.  Wear gloves...I would anyway just to avoid
splinters.

Most of my timbers are still there; some have rotted away.  I use the
beds for holding shrubs and perennials now.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
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----------
> From: Bonnie Holmes <holmesbm@usit.net>
>
> Several years ago, before realizing the dangers of arsenic from
> the rotting wood, I used landscape timbers for my raised vegetable
> gardens.  Now, many of them are in serious disrepair.  Does anyone
know
> of the safest way to remove them?  If I left them until winter,
does
> anyone know how far into the bed could I safely plant vegetables?
Bonnie
> Zone 6+ ETNholmesbm@usit.net

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