As a sturdy beam made from wood, railroad ties have been used for bordering gardens and in retaining walls. However, like many outdoor materials, they can deteriorate over time, creating a nest for pests, rotting eyesore, and potential tripping hazard.

Removing railroad ties from your yard can also be a chore that requires safety precautions, as these materials are bulky, heavy, and could be coated in hazardous creosote. Not only do you need the proper tools to efficiently break up the ties, but you also need to wear the right gear to keep yourself safe.

Once they are removed, there’s also the question of how to dispose of them. As a bulk item, many local waste management services won’t pick them up with your regular trash. There’s also the environmental implications of dumping or burning them and releasing toxins.

How you go about removing and disposing railroad ties depends on the following factors:

• Current condition. Are they still in good shape? If so, you could try reusing or donating them.
• Quantity. How many ties you have will help determine if you want to remove them all yourself or get help. It also affects the cost of that help.
• Location. Assess what’s in the area and be ready to move obstacles or plants and replace the ties with another material, especially if it’s acting as a retaining wall.

After you have a plan for rail tie removal, disposal, and replacement, the real work begins.

Removing Railroad Ties

If you only have a few ties bordering a garden and you’re comfortable with tackling this task yourself, be sure to take proper precautions with the right tools and gear.

• Safety gloves, goggles, and mask. Protect yourself from splinters, sharp edges, and any dust that comes from cutting or removing the ties.
• Crowbar and shovel. Loosen the ties from the ground and remove excess soil to expose the full rail.
• Saw. Large ties can be cut to make them easier to move. Watch for metal spikes and screws that could have been used to hold the rails together.
• Wheelbarrow. Make it easier to transport the removed ties to the disposal location.
• Dumpster. Since you may not be able to get rid of all your ties through your local trash collecting, renting a dumpster is an option.

If you have a lot of ties to tackle and rather leave the removal and disposal to professionals, contact JDog Junk Removal & Hauling. Not only will we take out the ties from their current location, but we’ll also haul them away. Then you can redesign your landscape with whatever material you desire.