Timber is a smart selection for many landscaping projects. It provides a natural boundary for raised beds, which is an effective material for terraces and retaining walls, and provides a clear boundary between the lawn and mulched or planted areas. Landscaping timbers also make great edging, maintaining grass and bedding plants apparent of the walkway. Timbers are relatively heavy but have a tendency to transfer over time unless staked in place. You can use an assortment of materials to fasten landscaping timbers.
Landscape Spikes
Galvanized landscape spikes look like incredibly large nails. They work well once you will need to secure stacked timbers to another, such as when you are building a raised bed, a sandbox, or a sliding wall. Spikes come in lengths between 8 and 14 inches. You do not have to pre-drill holes for these attachments, however they are effective only for holding timbers with them. Landscape spikes aren’t effective for maintaining timbers connected to the ground.
Timber Screws
These big screws are very similar to landscape spikes but also are threaded to ensure a more secure grip. Timber screws are also easier to remove from landscaping timbers should you make a mistake. Most timber screws are self-drilling, so you won’t have to drill pilot holes to put in them. Timber screws are somewhat more effective for holding timbers to the ground, but they work best for holding numerous layers of wood with them.
Rebar
Rebar is the smartest choice for staking single or layered timbers to the ground. You can use it alone or in conjunction with landscape spikes and screws, however it does require predrilling. To set up rebar, drill a hole through every lumber, stack the timbers, if necessary, then drive the rebar through the hole and into the ground using a sledgehammer. To avoid rusting, choose epoxy-coated rebar over uncoated material.
Deadmen
Spikes and rebar do not offer adequate support for stacked landscaping timbers at a retaining wall or other load-bearing construction. If you need your landscaping lumber to hold up ground, considerable quantities of stone, or other heavy stuff, you can anchor the entire construction to a deadman. This T-shaped anchor point can be made from concrete, two timbers secured together or metallic. Regardless of its construction, the deadman must be buried in the ground behind the wall and twisted firmly into the landscaping timber. This prevents the wall from sliding forward when the ground is waterlogged.