Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
MicroPro®claimsthatthesmallamountofCopperthatisreleased,bindsquicklytoorgan-
ic compounds in the soil, making it biologically inactive. The MCQ treated wood does not
show as much color change as the other treatment processes. It is also not as corrosive to
fasteners as ACQ or CA treated wood, but you would still need to use approved fasteners.
because less corrosive does not mean non-corrosive. Brand names for MCQ treated wood
include Yellawood MCQ, MicroPro® and SmartSense®.
Copper Corrodes Hardware
Since the new wood preservatives use Copper, treated wood is more likely to react and
corrode standard nails, screws and other fasteners. Building codes have begun to require
stainless steel, ceramic coated or hot dipped galvanized fasteners to prevent failures due to
corrosion when using the ACQ, CA or MCQ treated wood products.
Treated Wood May be Wet
Another consideration with treated wood is the fact that the treatment process also pumps
water back into the drywoodas it applies the chemical treatment. Since the woodmay still
have a high moisture content it may shrink, warp and split as it dries out.
Safety Precautions
We are always cautioned to wear gloves, dust masks and eye protection when handling
and cutting both treated and un-treated wood. We are also advised to wash our hands after
handling the new types of treated lumber, to wash clothes separately and are warned not to
burn treated lumber or use it as mulch.
Another consideration with treated wood is the fact that the treatment process also pumps
water back into the drywoodas it applies the chemical treatment. Since the woodmay still
have a high moisture content it may shrink, warp and split as it dries out.
Using Untreated Wood
AmIconvincedthatitissafetousethenewcoppertreatedwoodproductsforraisedgarden
beds? Yes, it is safe for people, but it is not safe for aquatic systems. The new Micronized
process is better and leaches 90% less copper back into the environment than the CA or
ACQ methods.
At the time of this writing, my untreated wood frames have been in the soil for between 4
- 6 years. Yes, they have weathered and there are a few signs of decay to the wood that is
underground,buttheyarestill verysoundandsolidandIexpect togetanother 4or5years
before I have to pull them up and replace them.
The same cold, dry climate that make it hard for me to grow vegetables also slows the de-
composition rate of untreated wood. Untreated wood may not last as long in your climate.
For me, 10+ years of use from the less expensive, untreated wood is good deal. I also like
thelookoftheuntreatedwoodbetter,thoughthenewmicronizedprocesslooksmorenatur-
