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Landscape timbers can be secured in a few different ways to ensure they stay in place and are safe for use. One option is to use rebar, which is a long, steel rod that is driven into the ground and through the timber. This provides stability and prevents the timbers from shifting or tipping over. Another option is to use landscape spikes, which are large nails with a wider head that can be hammered into the timbers. These spikes provide a secure hold and are less likely to pull out. Additionally, using a good quality adhesive or construction adhesive can help secure the timbers together and prevent them from separating. By using these methods, landscape timbers can be securely installed and last for a long time.
Landscape timbers are a versatile material for gardens and yards. They have flat sides and slightly rounded sides, making them easy to stack and giving them the appearance of log siding. To ensure safety and beauty, landscape timbers need to be secured to the ground and to each other. The most common materials used for this are rebar and landscape spikes.
Securing Stacks with Rebar
Rebar is long and sturdy enough to pass through multiple landscape timbers, creating a solid wall for raised gardens. It can also sink into the ground to lock the wall in place. You will need a piece of rebar that is long enough to pass through all the landscape timbers, plus an additional 1/3 to 1/2 of the above-ground length to drive into the ground. For example, if you have a stack of landscape timbers that is 12 inches high, you would need a 16- to 18-inch piece of rebar to secure it.
Start by laying the landscape timbers flat on the ground in the desired configuration, with staggered joints. Mark where you plan to drill the holes for the rebar, ensuring that all the holes will line up. You can turn each landscape timber flat side up and draw a chalk line across them to make this easier. For every landscape timber you add to the stack, plan to add another piece of rebar through them. For a stack of three landscape timbers, you would need three separate pieces of rebar.
Use a drill bit that is larger than the diameter of the rebar to cut the holes. Stack the landscape timbers in their intended configuration and in the location where you want to install them. You may need to level the ground a bit with a shovel. Place the rebar through the holes and use a sledgehammer to pound it into the ground until it is even with the top landscape timber.
Using Spikes for Smaller Landscape Timbers
If you have single landscape timbers that line the edge of a flower garden, there are several options to secure them. One option is to dig out some of the existing sod and nestle the timbers into the crevice to prevent them from rolling over. However, if your yard floods during heavy rain, the landscape timbers may float away without something anchoring them.
This is where landscape timber spikes come in handy. They resemble large nails and are designed to secure landscape timbers to the ground. You can pound them into each landscape timber with a sledgehammer, but this might cause the wood to split and requires more effort. Alternatively, you can drill a hole through the landscape timber and use a mallet to drive the spike into the ground.
If you don’t like the appearance of the spike head on the landscape timbers, you can use small sections of rebar instead. The rebar will be hidden inside the predrilled hole.
Additional Support with Brackets/Braces
Brackets and braces function as concealed supports that are most effective for smaller groups of landscape timbers. When constructing a raised garden bed, utilize brackets on the interior to provide added strength at the joints and corners. Another method to prevent the landscape timbers from expanding due to soil pressure is to insert a piece of rebar into the ground right next to the exterior of the landscape timbers.
