I am planning to make a raised flowerbed, surrounded by lengths of
timber logs. I have a couple of small apple trees in the garden, which
should provide about half the wood a need, but I will need to buy some
more. Any ideas who would sell these? Local garden centre couldn't
help.

I particularly want logs with the bark on and about 2-3 inches in
diameter. I know everywhere sells those log-like borders, but I am
looking for the natural effect. I am based in Berkshire if that helps.

Also once I have made this, can anyone suggest a way of preserving the
timber? how long is it likely to be before an untreated log loses it's
bark and then rots?

Thanks,

Justin

On 17 Apr 2003 05:27:59 -0700, Justin Hughes wrote:

I particularly want logs with the bark on and about 2-3 inches in
diameter.

Find a local sawmill, Yellow Pages is probably a good place to start
looking.

Also once I have made this, can anyone suggest a way of preserving
the timber?

Nothing beats a good dose of creosote, but it's due to be banned RSN.
Or if your going to a sawmill they may well have tannelising (pressure
treatment) facilities not sure if they would treat bark on timber
though.

how long is it likely to be before an untreated log loses it's
bark and then rots?

The bark is quite likely to fall off in a year or two treated or not,
it is a separate structure to the timber underneath. I think I'd peel
the bark off as it is only going to fall off.

Treated timber should last many years. Many being a bit of variable
dependent on the treatment, the timber and the ground conditions.

--
Cheers
Dave. Remove "spam" for valid email.

Justin Hughes wrote:
I am planning to make a raised flowerbed, surrounded by lengths of
timber logs. I have a couple of small apple trees in the garden, which
should provide about half the wood a need, but I will need to buy some
more. Any ideas who would sell these? Local garden centre couldn't
help.

I particularly want logs with the bark on and about 2-3 inches in
diameter. I know everywhere sells those log-like borders, but I am
looking for the natural effect. I am based in Berkshire if that helps.


On the road between Bagshot and Windsor there's a forestry commission site
that sells ... er .... forestry products.

HTH
--
William Tasso

Justin Hughes wrote:

I am planning to make a raised flowerbed, surrounded by lengths of
timber logs. I have a couple of small apple trees in the garden, which
should provide about half the wood a need, but I will need to buy some
more. Any ideas who would sell these? Local garden centre couldn't
help.

I particularly want logs with the bark on and about 2-3 inches in
diameter. I know everywhere sells those log-like borders, but I am
looking for the natural effect. I am based in Berkshire if that helps.

Also once I have made this, can anyone suggest a way of preserving the
timber? how long is it likely to be before an untreated log loses it's
bark and then rots?

Justin.. take a look in your local phone book under 'tree surgeons' and
arboriculture.. They almost always have excess logs to get rid of
either for free or for beer money.;-)

As for how long untreated wood will last it will depend on the
conditions its used in, and the type of wood.
//
Jim

In article , Justin
Hughes writes
I am planning to make a raised flowerbed, surrounded by lengths of
timber logs. I have a couple of small apple trees in the garden, which
should provide about half the wood a need, but I will need to buy some
more. Any ideas who would sell these? Local garden centre couldn't
help.

I particularly want logs with the bark on and about 2-3 inches in
diameter. I know everywhere sells those log-like borders, but I am
looking for the natural effect. I am based in Berkshire if that helps.

Also once I have made this, can anyone suggest a way of preserving the
timber? how long is it likely to be before an untreated log loses it's
bark and then rots?

A couple of years to lose the bark, and then rotting over about 5 years.

Thanks,

Justin

--
Kay Easton

Edward's earthworm page:
http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm

The life of the timber is going to depend on what timber it is, Silver birch
and you will be lucky to get 2 years from it, Oak could give you 10.
Remember that as the bark loosens from the timber it makes a very good
hiding place for a range of pests including Slugs and Snails, Woodlice ...
--
David Hill
Abacus Nurseries
www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk