Treated Lumber For Raised Garden Bed
Why would it not be safe.
Treated lumber for raised garden bed. There is no simple answer to this question. From what i ve seen the consensus is that the chemicals do leach out of the wood into the soil and are uptaken by the plants in very small amounts. Can you use treated wood for raised beds. Cca treated wood has been restricted since 2004 to foundation construction only.
While there is scientific consensus that it is safe to use for garden and vegetable beds the information below explains what chemicals are used in viance ground contact treated wood for residential use and the results of numerous scientific studies. Pressure treated lumber is used for fence posts garden beds decking playground equipment and many other structures that are either partially below ground or have significant exposure to the elements. The concern is that the chemicals that are used to treat the lumber can leach into the soil. Yes you can use treated lumber for your raised vegetable garden beds.
If you already have raised beds made of treated wood you needn t panic. Homeowners ask if it is safe to use treated lumber for garden beds. Cca treated wood should not be used for garden beds says the vermont department of health. While there is scientific consensus that it is safe to use for garden beds the information below explains what chemicals are used in viance ground contact treated wood for residential use and the results of numerous scientific studies.
In 2003 the environmental protection agency epa banned the use of lumber with added chromate copper arsenate cca due to the copper and arsenic content.