Creative Landscaping Uses for Railroad Ties

Railroad ties are a cost-effective landscaping element that are very versatile and easy to incorporate into your yard. Most railroad ties are very sturdy with approximate dimensions of 7” x 9” x 8’ but can vary slightly. The rough exterior can create a rustic look if desired, or they can be used as covered support for many different projects. Here are some creative ways to use sturdy railroad ties in your landscape design.

Flower Beds or Garden

Want to build an above-ground flower bed or garden? Railroad ties are perfect and easy to use. They can be stack 2-3 high to build an 8’ x 8’ garden bed to plant flowers, herbs or vegetables. Railroad stakes can be used to keep them in place, then fill the box with nutrient-rich soil from your local landscape supplier.

Edging

Railroad ties make a great edging or border for your garden areas if you like the rustic look. They can also be a great border for your driveway to keep vehicles off your lawn.

Retaining Walls

If you are building a retaining wall, railroad ties are hefty and sturdy, making them a good choice for low walls. Railroad ties are excellent building materials that are easier to use for straight walls and usually less expensive than many types of stone or pavers.

Fencing

Railroad ties can make an interesting fence, with posts that can last for decades. They are much thicker than average fencing, creating a unique look that is very sturdy.

Your local landscape supplier with ample space is the place to go for railroad ties. Due to their size, only suppliers with room for these large timbers keep them in stock. Call around your area to find a supplier that can fill your order to use railroad ties for your next landscaping project.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Types Of Lawn Edging

Humans love borders and boundaries, something that defines where one area ends and another begins. Lawn edging may be just part of the human need to quatrain off the lawn from the garden or to make a neat appearance. However, lawn edging can also have a legitimate purpose as well when used as a barrier to stop wanted plants or grasses from invading a lawn. There are a few different types of lawn edging that can be used, depending on personal taste and purpose. 

Choosing Lawn Edging

While you can certainly “edge” your lawn by digging a trench around the perimeter, this is not as aesthetically pleasing as adding a decorative border. There are several choices, from expensive rock to even plastic edging that can be added. 

–          Rock. Natural and in many cases the preferred edging material, rock can make beautiful edging for a lawn. However, unless you happen to have rock of similar size and type lying around, it is a little more expensive then other options.

–          Wood. Railroad ties and landscape timbers are often used for edging. The drawback to wood is that it will eventually rot and need to be replaced. It also is difficult for curved areas.

–          Formed edging. There are cement, plastic and metal edgings that are specifically made for lawn edging. Most of these are fairly inexpensive and come in a variety of shapes. 

Whatever your preference, lawn edging can give your yard a professional appearance while at the same time, limiting exposure to unwanted plants permeating your lawn. Your local landscape supply store most likely has a variety of edgings to choose from to meet both your aesthetic and budget needs.