planting near pressure-treated wood
I have planters that run along the side of my deck. The deck and planters were made with pressure-treated lumber. I'm thinking of using these for herbs or small veggies. I've planted squash here before and the previous owner used it for herbs. Is there any danger of contamination from the wood?
-
- Senior Member
- Posts: 178
- Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 8:40 pm
- Location: Clevedon, UK
- rainbowgardener
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 25279
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:04 pm
- Location: TN/GA 7b
- gixxerific
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 5889
- Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 5:42 pm
- Location: Wentzville, MO (Just West oF St. Louis) Zone 5B
That depends on how old the lumber is. If it is CCA treated it is I want to say Chromated Copper Arsenate (sp) the main problem being the Arsenic that leaches into the ground. It is said to stay in the wood for ABOUT 10 years. the arsenic doesn't leach vary far, with the majority of it leaching within a foot. Problem is it doesn't break down when in the soil very fast at all. Google CCA Treated Wood and see for yourself.