Railroad Tie: Why Consider Them for Landscaping and Erosion Control

This terrain in Los Angeles can pose challenges for landscape gardeners who must contend with sloping gardens, soil movement, and irregular ground surfaces. Railway ties can provide a practical method of controlling such conditions along with giving structure to gardens and parks. Due to their size and treatment, rocks are particularly suitable for use in landscaping and preventing soil erosion, where stability is critical.

Originally, railway ties were made from wood which has been subjected to pressure from the ground for years. Used in landscaping, they offer a long-lasting support system for preventing soil run-off, for shaping gardens, and for bolstering sloping areas. In Los Angeles, the interlocking concrete pavers are typically found in residential gardens, properties with slopes and commercial spaces where strength is valued over appearance.

Applications and Recommended Use

Use Case	Landscaping and Erosion Control Benefits
Retaining Walls and Terracing	Helps hold soil in place on sloped lots and tiered landscapes. The mass of the tie resists lateral soil pressure common in hillside areas of Los Angeles.
Erosion Control on Slopes	Slows soil movement and reduces washout caused by rain or irrigation runoff. Ideal for stabilizing embankments and graded terrain.
Garden Borders and Raised Beds	Creates defined edges for planters and garden areas while preventing soil spillover. Adds structure without the need for poured concrete.
Pathway and Yard Edging	Used to separate walkways, lawns, and landscaped zones. The weight keeps ties from shifting over time, even with foot traffic nearby.

Material Composition and Outdoor Suitability

Treated railroad ties are generally made out of dense hardwood and treated with creosote. This protects against the action of moisture, decay, and insects. These boots were designed to withstand being in contact with the ground, thus being ideal for the long term outdoor use.

In Los Angeles landscapes where wood is subjected to the region's dry heat, the intense sunshine, and occasional rainfall, treated wood outperforms untreated wood in resistance to decay. As well as giving good traction, the close grain of the timber means it is less prone to warping and splitting, making it particularly suitable for use as stakes to keep soil in place or in landscaping projects where the timber needs to be shaped.

Installation and Handling

Successful landscaping and erosion control projects rely on proper installation. Railroad ties are heavy and rigid, which works in their favor when installed correctly, but requires thoughtful site preparation and placement.

Before installation, the area should be graded and leveled to create a stable base. On slopes, preparing a compacted gravel or soil foundation helps prevent future movement and improves drainage behind the ties.

Follow these best practices for landscaping applications:

Base Preparation: Excavate the area and compact the soil or gravel to create a stable foundation.
Tie Placement: Position ties tightly together to minimize gaps where soil could escape.
Anchoring: Secure ties using rebar or landscape spikes to prevent shifting, especially on sloped terrain.
Backfilling: Backfill gradually with compacted soil to reduce pressure buildup and improve drainage.
Finishing Touches: Railroad ties are typically left unfinished. Any cutting or drilling should be done with proper protective equipment.

Properly installed railroad ties remain stable over time and continue to support soil retention and landscape structure throughout changing weather conditions common in Southern California.

Performance and Durability in Landscaping Applications

Railroad ties are utilized for landscaping because they were made to withstand extreme weather conditions. Treated with creosote to resist moisture and decay, these timbers can be used safely in the ground.

The weight of each tie is an essential factor in preventing erosion. For more substantial materials used in construction, water runoff and shifting earth pose less of a disruption as they are resistant. This leads to a decrease in the likelihood of any failures on slopes and constructed high points. In areas such as Los Angeles, where sprinkler systems are always in use, added weight aids in long-term stability. Railroad ties for landscaping require little upkeep after they have been laid out. This makes railroad ties a practical solution for anyone who wants an attractive, long-lasting landscape.

Sizing and Selection for Landscape Projects

Standard railroad ties are typically sized at approximately 7 inches by 9 inches and 8 feet in length. This size offers enough surface area and weight to support soil retention while remaining manageable during installation.

For erosion control and terracing, longer ties help reduce the number of seams, improving overall stability. Thicker ties provide added resistance to bending and movement, especially when stacked in multi-tier applications.

Selecting the appropriate quantity and layout depends on slope angle, soil conditions, and the height of the landscaped area. Proper sizing ensures cleaner lines, stronger retention, and more reliable long-term performance.

Sourcing and Delivery in Los Angeles

Supply Ontime provides reliable delivery across the Greater Los Angeles area. Customers can count on:

Same‑Day or Scheduled Delivery
Supply Ontime provides same-day delivery service for urgent framing needs and allows customers to schedule deliveries in advance for bigger projects. The system delivers materials at the exact time construction workers need them which prevents delays and maintains project timelines.
Flexible Unloading Options
Deliveries can be handled in multiple ways depending on the site. Truck Bed delivery works for lighter items; Curbside delivery keeps drop‑offs simple within 5 feet of the truck; and White Gloves service places materials at the doorway for added convenience.
Clear Delivery Rates
Pricing is weight‑based and transparent, so there are no surprises. Customers know up front what it will cost to have materials delivered, whether it’s a small order under 20 lbs or a large shipment requiring specialized handling.
Convenience at Drop‑Off
The delivery process needs to remain simple for all delivery options that customers select. The materials can be unloaded from the truck either by placing them at the curb or by staging them at the first entrance of the building. The system provides flexibility, which enables construction teams and homebuilders to concentrate on building activities while avoiding logistical concerns.

Final Thoughts

For use in landscape projects throughout Los Angeles, railroad ties offer erosion control which can be very effective. These products are well-suited for landscape shaping and soil erosion prevention because they are strong, resistant to outdoor conditions, and heavy. They can be used to stabilise sloping ground. Railway ties offer long-term performance with minimal upkeep, making them a dependable choice for areas throughout the region that are used.

Railroad Tie 7 in. x 9 in. x 8 ft. #2 Used Creosote Treated

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