Alternative Landscape Timbers

Try Composites

• Composite landscaping timbers are made of recycled wood, plastic and even automobiles--effectively reducing waste in their production. They are durable and low-maintenance, never needing to be painted or stained. They are relatively lightweight and held in place with metal stakes. They have a longer useful life than traditional wood timbers since they do not break down over time.

Polyethylenes

• These are widely used plastics, according to Encyclopedia.com, that are a durable mixture of polymers and ethylenes and are used in a wide variety of applications. Polyethylene timbers are environmentally friendly due to their long life and have little need for maintenance. They are used in many applications, such as alternative landscaping.

Recycled Objects

• A great alternative in your landscaping project is to use found objects as timbers--such as old railroad ties, parking curbs, rocks and stones. With a little imagination, you can build a unique landscape with little cost and reuse items that would have ended up in the garbage or are naturally occurring on your land.