Construction & Contractors Blog
If you are taking down an old fence or deck made of treated pine, there are a few different things you can do with the old wood. Wondering what's possible and what's safe? Take a look at these tips and ideas:
1. Don't burn it.
Burning treated pine can be tempting. However, you need to resist the urge to make a campfire with your old wood.
Unfortunately, when you burn wood that has been treated, with CCA in particular, you release arsenic into the air, adding to the toxins to the atmosphere and your immediate area.
2. Take old wood to the landfill.
Instead of burning treated wood, take it to the landfill. Don't just throw it in a skip or in your rubbish bin. Instead, contact the landfill and let them know that you need to get rid of treated wood. Many landfills have special places where they safely bury treated wood.
3. Send it to a wood burning facility.
If you cannot find a landfill to take your old treated pine, look for a wood burning facility that is willing to take it. These are facilities that are safely set up to burn treated wood. Rather than releasing their toxins into the air, these facilities are specially equipped with filters and capture systems that corral the arsenic.
4. Reclaim it.
You don't have to throw out or burn your old treated pine. Instead, consider reclaiming it. Reclaimed wood is incredibly popular right now. The wood grain, knots and other interesting elements are prized by a range of decorators and homeowners.
Take down your old fence or deck, and turn the treated pine planks into end tables, benches, kitchen tables or even wall siding.
5. Make raised garden beds.
Alternatively, use your old treated pine to make raised garden beds. Four fence slats or four planks from a deck can easily be turned into a box. Add a bit of dirt, and plant your favorite plants.
If you are worried about the chemicals from the treated pine leeching into the dirt, don't be. Most organic gardeners find treated pine extremely safe for gardening.
6. Create sawdust or wood chips.
Even if you don't have a vegetable garden, you can still turn your treated wood into something for your landscaping. Hire a wood chipper, and turn the old fence into wood chips. Alternatively, turn the treated wood into sawdust, and donate it to someone who has a restaurant with sawdust on the floor.
Share21 September 2015
Seeing a tree die can be sad, especially if it's the only shade tree in your yard, a tree you grew up climbing or a once bountiful fruit tree. However, surprisingly, many trees that people seem to give up on can actually be saved. I hate the idea of anyone losing a tree, so I decided to start a blog. This blog is going to have tips I have learned as a lifelong gardener as well as things I have learned while researching trees and botany in general. I hope you like these posts and that they eventually help you save a few trees!
