How to Use Landscaping Timbers

Install landscape timbers as landscaping borders. Measure the width of your timbers and dig trenches to that width. Dig down to about half to three-quarters the height of the ties, so the tops are above ground. Set the timbers into the trenches and press the soil down on either side to secure them. Timbers as borders will keep grass from creeping into landscaping and give the yard a neat, clean look.

Make raised beds by stacking landscaping timbers, or just using the height of one above ground. Fill in soil to the top of the beams and plant what you want. Railroad ties work well in this respect too.

Prepare sturdy rustic steps using landscape timbers or railroad ties. Dig into the ground where you want the steps to be located. Space them evenly, each step going further into the embankment or hill as the steps go up. Make sure the excavations are the width of your timbers. Secure timbers or ties with stakes or re-bar and a sledge hammer. You will need to pre-drill holes for the stakes to go through.

Install paths with timbers or railroad ties either as the borders on the sides of a path, or as the pathway itself. As a path border, the timbers are installed similarly to borders around landscaping. If using the beams as the pathway, dig down so the ties will sit in the ground. You want them to be almost flush with the ground so people do not trip.

Create retaining walls in your landscaping by stacking landscape timbers. For more stability stagger the seams between levels. Secure the bottom beams to the ground and to each other with re-bar then backfill behind the wall with soil. Pre-drill holes to use in connecting the beams.