Sleepers in ground

[nesbit]

Hi,

Just wondering if there are any rules to follow when placing sleepers edge down into the ground? I have about 15 meters to replace and i am looking at either treated pine or redgum if the $$ are in range. Basically they run up the length of the driveway as an edging. The existing ones are rotted out and from what i can tell were only placed a few cm's into the ground. I was told by someone to get some star pickets and screw them into the sleeper from the back. Does this sound correct? I have attached a profile of the area i am working with.

Thanks in advance.

[Wood Butcher]

Can't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Cut the star picket into lengths of around 600mm should provide plenty of support.

[Bluegum]

yep I reckon what wood butcher says looks the go as it will be really nice and stable.

[nesbit]

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering if there are any repellents or treatments available for the sleepers that would help prevent insects and rot?

[Wood Butcher]

You could coat the sleepers with a solution of 5% Copper Napthanate.

Beekeepers use it extensively to treat all of the external timber of the bee hives (I spent 10 years making beekeeping equipment.) I have seen instances where timber that was treated by immersion with diluted (1:4 with unleaded petrol) Cu Napth lasted 15 yrs sitting on the ground.