Recycle fake wood decking as edging?
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To hide lots of roots in a shady yard, I'm planting hostas and ground cover between the roots. I plan to use pine bark mulch. The yard slopes a little, so I need to put some sort of edging around it. The previous owner of this house left behind a lot of unused fake wood decking. Other than saving money and the obvious benefits of recycling, what are the pros and cons of this idea? (I would prefer the look of rock, but I have no truck for hauling. The short pieces of landscape timber in the photo are only a temporary solution.) Thanks for your response.
6 answers
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I don't see anything wrong with fake wood decking as edging. I doubt it leeches anything into the soil. And it doesn't rot. If I had access, I'd make raised beds from it.
Melissa
on Jun 06, 2013
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Sounds like a great solution - I doubt they will leech anything into the soil as they are safe for home use - ie: babies crawling on a deck.
Heather (New House New Home)
on Jun 07, 2013
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My only caveat would be to not built up the mulch too much over those tree roots or you'll risk suffocating them. Don't go more than 2 to 4 inches.
Douglas Hunt
on Jun 07, 2013
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I like that look, it's unique! Why not use it if you already have it on hand? I would.
TinaLouise
on Jun 07, 2013
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I don't see any problem using what you have on hand like the decking but I love the exposed root of the tree and the casual appearance. I would tried to go with nature and not try to border it in. You could try planting small areas between the roots with a shade loving and low growing ground cover, such as Irish moss.
Barbara Sawyer
on Jun 07, 2013
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Barbara, the exposed roots of the trees are a tripping hazard, make mowing of the inevitable weeds impossible, and the Oklahoma wind removes even more soil making the roots more exposed. So, planting shade-lovers and using a little natural mulch to stop the erosion is what I'm trying to accomplish. I just need to keep the mulch in place so it doesn't float down the street. Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'm going to "go for it". :-)
Marilyn Highley
on Jun 07, 2013
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