How to Install Landscape Timbers?

Are you thinking of giving your yard a new look but don’t want to strain your budget? You can do a lot with landscaping timbers. You can use these timbers to create raised plant beds or as edging for flower beds. You can also use them for fencing or retaining walls. There are so many landscaping design ideas you can play with.

Landscaping timbers are an affordable way to boost your home’s curb appeal. You can also learn how to install landscape timbers in no time at all. This article will guide you through the process.

What are Landscaping Timbers?

Timbers are small wood boards or rounded shafts. They’re on the small side and are often about 3” to 6” thick. Landscaping timbers are great material for a variety of landscaping ideas around the house. Railroad ties are also considered landscape timbers. But they are thicker and heavier.

You can get timbers from your local lumber yard. You can buy them at hardware shops or home improvement stores. They come in different sizes and thicknesses. Timber is also made from a variety of wood. You can find solid pine timbers and composite wood. The latter is pressure-treated and treated with chemicals.

How to Install Landscape Timbers

A good thing about timber is you can incorporate it in your do it yourself landscape design projects. It’s easy to figure out how to install landscape timbers. Here’s a quick guide to some timber projects.

Landscape edging is a good addition to any lawn or garden. It can set down your property’s borders or highlight its design. Follow these steps for easy to install edging:

• Measure the perimeter of the area you want to enclose. Buy enough timber edging to line your garden twice. It’s best to use all-weather timber for this project. Cut them down to the size you want.
• Dig a trench around the area to cover. The trench should be around 6” deep and 2” wider than the timber’s width. Use your shovel to smooth down the walls and bottom of the trench. Fill it with 2” of gravel. This will be the timbers’ foundation.
• Lay down the timber over the gravel. Use a level to make sure they’re even. Position them so the corners will join in clockwise order. Check that they’re laying flat over the gravel. This is to ensure the timbers are stable. Place another layer of timber over the first. The corners should become joined in a counter-clockwise order this time.
• Drill holes through both layers. There should be holes on all four corners and every four feet. Once you’re done drilling, drive 12” spikes into the holes. The spike’s diameter should be bigger than the holes.
• Use a hammer to nail down the spikes. Hammer them down until the heads are flat on the wood’s surface. There shouldn’t be any spike sticking out. You will find gaps around the wood after you secure the edging. Fill in these gaps with gravel. Pour the gravel over the perimeter of the garden. Make sure there’s an even distribution. Check the gaps to make sure everything’s filled well. Clear any excess gravel.

Flower beds are a simple landscaping design project with a lot of impacts. You can also use landscaping timbers for this project. Here’s a quick overview of the steps:

• • Pick a flat, level area in your yard. Measure your preferred size for the flower or plant bed. Mark it with a mason’s line or a string.
  • Dig a trench along with the marker. It should be around 3” to 4” deep.
  • Lay your timber down the trench. If your flower bed needs the length of two timbers, place them end to end. Make sure the timbers are level and packed tight. The corners should be perpendicular and have no open spaces.
  • You can offset the joints of the timbers by at least 4” if you’re putting the second layer of wood on top of the first. The overlap will make it more stable. Saw the timbers to the correct length and use your framing square to check the corners.
  • Drill starter holes once the second layer is in place. Drill from the top down. Put holes at the corners and every 4’. Pound stakes through the holes with a hammer.
  • Line the bed and the walls with a gardening mesh. Add soil. You can then start planting.

Best Ways to Use Landscaping Timber

The impact timber has on landscape design for front yards is surprising. Here are some of the most popular timber landscaping projects:

• Edging for Garden Beds: A wooden border around plant beds defines the space and adds beauty. It also prevents soil erosion and limits the growth of invasive plants and weeds.
• Outdoor Stairway: It might take more time and effort but a set of stairs is a good addition to a sloping yard. It makes it easier to go up and down. It’s also a good staging area for your potted plants.
• Deck Retreat: You can extend your living space with a well-designed deck. Wood gives it a warm and cozier feel.
• Rustic Fence: It won’t provide you with privacy, but it’s a good way to define space in an extensive property.
• Vertical Gardens: You can design a trellis or a garden wall as a statement piece. Add climbing or trailing plants for a memorable effect.

Enjoy Sustainable and Affordable Landscaping

There are many ways to beautify your outdoor space without breaking the bank. Landscape Improvements knows the best way to do this. We are one of Florida’s top landscaping companies. Our experienced design team can create and build sustainable landscapes for your enjoyment. We also offer residential and commercial landscaping design and maintenance. We also do landscape lighting, container gardening, arbor care, and more. You can reach us at 407-606-7326. You can also email us at info@landscapeimprove.com.