How to Level Ground for Landscape Timbers: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Landscape Timbers

Leveling ground for landscape timbers is a foundational step for any garden edging, raised beds, or outdoor project requiring tidy, lasting borders. Start by marking the area you plan to outline using stakes and string to ensure the shape is clear and accurate. Remove any grass, debris, or rocks from the space. Next, use a spade or shovel to dig a trench that's slightly wider than your landscape timbers and about half their height in depth. This ensures stability and allows part of the timber to sit below ground level for added security.

Once the trench is ready, use a rake to smooth out the bottom, then tamp it down thoroughly—either with a hand tamper or a heavy wooden board—to create a dense, even base. Check for levelness regularly using a long carpenter’s level placed atop a straight board spanning the trench. Make small adjustments by adding or removing soil as needed. For areas prone to water pooling or soft ground, consider pouring and tamping a layer of gravel in the trench. This provides drainage and helps keep the timbers from shifting.

As a designer, I always recommend planning your landscape layout before you begin any physical project. Visualizing your borders and pathways helps prevent last-minute changes and ensures that the final installation aligns with your outdoor vision. Tools like a room planner can help you sketch out dimensions and experiment with design elements virtually, minimizing material waste and unexpected challenges during the installation phase.

Tips 1:

When placing your landscape timbers, secure them using rebar or landscape spikes driven through pre-drilled holes. This prevents movement over time. Additionally, pressure-treated or rot-resistant wood ensures longevity, especially in moist environments. Always double-check for levelness after placing each timber to maintain a professional finish.

FAQ

Q: What tools are needed to level ground for landscape timbers?

A: You’ll need a shovel or spade, rake, carpenter’s level, hand tamper, measuring tape, and optionally gravel for drainage.

Q: How deep should the trench be for landscape timbers?

A: The trench should be about half the height of your timbers to provide enough stability without burying them completely.

Q: How do I ensure the timbers are level?

A: Use a long carpenter’s level and a straight board across the trench, checking as you tamp the soil and after placing each timber.

Q: Should I use gravel under the landscape timbers?

A: In areas prone to moisture, adding gravel at the base of the trench improves drainage and limits wood rot.

Q: Can I plan my landscape timber layout digitally?

A: Yes, design tools like room planners allow you to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and placements before beginning your physical project.