treated lumber in the garden - Ask Extension
Is it OK to use treated lumber in and around vegetable gardens?
Knowledgebase
treated lumber in the garden #844278
Asked August 05, 2023, 1:40 PM EDT
Is it OK to use treated lumber in and around vegetable gardens?
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Do you know what the lumber was treated with? There are different risks depending on the specific preservative product.
This publication does a great job of explaining the different wood preservative products: Toxicity Concerns about Raised Bed Construction Materials. Here's a couple of quotes:
"When using the newer pressure treated woods, consider using a heavy plastic (low-density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene) liner or a polypropylene fabric liner between the sealed treated wood and the garden soil. Care must be exercised to avoid puncturing the liner during gardening activities."
"Tips for working with pressure treated wood:
This publication does a great job of explaining the different wood preservative products: Toxicity Concerns about Raised Bed Construction Materials. Here's a couple of quotes:
"When using the newer pressure treated woods, consider using a heavy plastic (low-density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene) liner or a polypropylene fabric liner between the sealed treated wood and the garden soil. Care must be exercised to avoid puncturing the liner during gardening activities."
"Tips for working with pressure treated wood:
- Wear a dust mask and goggles when working with the wood.
- Wash hands and other exposed skin immediately following work.
- Wash work clothes separately before reuse.
- Avoid burning treated wood, scraps or sawdust. Dispose of refuse through ordinary trash collection or burial.
- Avoid using treated wood chips or sawdust as mulch, compost, or soil amendment.
- Seal treated wood with an oil-based product before installation."
