Moving old tele poles

[desertrat]

Are ya offering help? I promise I won't put tires in the yard as planters.

Can't, but you can borrow stuff. Just not me.

 

[JULZ]

Be aware that old telephone poles, preserved with creosote, tend to have the creosote leach into the surrounding soil, killing most plants. If you just want a driveway border, then they should be okay.

Dot

Frick was saying something to me about them being toxic and I shouldn't do it, but she's only 14 so I ignored her...sounds like she may have been right.

Yes I have a border of day lillies I planted at that part of the driveway and since the kids and dog keep running through them that's why I was thinking of the border of the poles/logs/short fencing...whatever. And then thought of planting ivy around as well to grow up and down the border...maybe not with the poles now.

Thanks

 

[migtig]

The creosote definitely leaches out, so don't place them anywhere where the runoff can get to any of your planting beds. I had them lining the driveway of my old house (not my idea) and they worked well but just be aware they can become quite...er, AROMATIC during the hot summer months.

Are railroad ties the same? I know they look like they've been coated in something.

 

[GWguy]

Are railroad ties the same? I know they look like they've been coated in something.

If they are true railroad ties, yes. If they just look like railroad ties, aren't dark brown/black and came from Lowes or Home Depot, probably not.

 

[Kain99]

I'm really thinking you should start listening to your daughter. She's given you amazing advice through this thread.

 

[migtig]

If they are true railroad ties, yes. If they just look like railroad ties, aren't dark brown/black and came from Lowes or Home Depot, probably not.

Thanks for the info. I hate being bad for the environment and had been looking at railroad ties for a retainer wall. Back to the drawing board.

 

[Pete]

Thanks for the info. I hate being bad for the environment and had been looking at railroad ties for a retainer wall. Back to the drawing board.

I believe they sell landscaping timbers that are the same without the creosote.

 

[migtig]

I believe they sell landscaping timbers that are the same without the creosote.

I'll check for them - thanks for the heads up. I just kinda liked the old look of the rr ties.

 

[GWguy]

I believe they sell landscaping timbers that are the same without the creosote.

I thought they also had to stop using the green toxic compounds that they used to use in the old "pressure treated" lumber, and have switched to something not as bad.