Re: CULT: treated lumber
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Hello Donald,
I am not sure if the same preserving methods for treated pine posts are used
over where you are , but here in Australia, the treated pine post goes
through the most vigorous system of impregnating for resistance to bugs,
crawlies and other nasties that the sawdust is a definate no-no for garden
compost and the wood is not really recommended for garden bed edging.
However this doesn't seem to deter some people for using it as edging, but
it does hamper the growth on many plants that are planted close to the wood
edge as the wood releases a toxic residue for quite a few years before it
weathers on the outer exposed areas.The treated pine is also dipped in
creosote and when fresh , is quite toxic and also leaves a sticky gooey
residue that will drive any washing person (me) insane with the remedies of
how to remove the stuff.
The most recommended wood suitable for edging is old railway sleepers as
they have been weathered for a long time and lost their toxidity and also
they are usually of a different wood that lasts longer but how you find
those over there make me wonder. I suppose they could be available, if not
look for a harder wood, other than pine. It will be dearer but will be
better in the long run, Hope this is of some use, Regards, Wendy
Sargeant..wendon@dcsi.net.au, Zone 8ish, Aus.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donald Eaves" <donald@eastland.net>
To: <iris-talk@egroups.com>
Sent: Monday, September 04, 2000 4:05 AM
Subject: [iris-talk] CULT: treated lumber
>
> Hello Folks,
>
> Not sure about the subject tag, but since I'm making iris beds
> using treated posts, it seemed the best choice. Thanks to Chris
> for keeping these tags on the Canadian Iris Society website, since
> my printout is buried somewhere.
>
> Question is: what chemical(s) is/are used to treat the lumber? Can
> I safely use all that sawdust I'm generating in the compost pile?
>
> I can't believe I'm even doing it. This has been the worst year for
> growing plants of any kind that I've ever experienced. The losses
> are high and plants are still expiring. It hit 110 here yesterday and
> reached 100 before noon today, which is predicted to be even hotter
> than yesterday. I have my first shipment of irises ordered and have
> used many of my pots to try and salvage some growing in the beds
> and still they are folding in the heat. Only those with shade, the
> more the better this year, are managing the dry heat well. Lucky
> seedlings - I anticipated a bad summer and located the seedling bed
> where it only receives about 3 hours of morning sun and they have
> fared better than anything. It has turned out to be the only chance
> they'd have had under the conditions this year.
>
> Donald Eaves
> donald@eastland.net
> Texas Zone 7, USA
>
>
>
>
>
