From

Location

Message

Date Posted

milford, CT,

I don't know if others have this problem, but I started to turn over my patch and noticed that roots from nearby trees are really starting to invade my patch. This can't be a good thing. What can I do to help prevent this?

9/19/2005 11:06:01 PM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

I have a similar problem in my patch. So, I hope there's a good answer. And, I don't have the option of taking down the tree. It's on town property.

9/19/2005 11:17:43 PM

[email protected]

Trifluralin or cut down the tree.

9/19/2005 11:18:14 PM

Hobbiton New Zealand

Around the edge of the orchards over here there is shelter belts of trees planted about every 3 years they get what we call a root saw to go around the edges of the fruit crop to cut throught the shelter belt tree roots they cut down to a depth of about 1.5 meters. So if you hire or borrow a chain drive trench digger and run along the side of the shelter belt it will do the same thing.

9/20/2005 6:25:36 AM

Ohio

I think I ask you this before tremor but what is another word for trifluralin in a Lowes brand,lol

9/20/2005 7:17:25 AM

Follansbee, Wv

Brooks,
I'll be using Snapshot (a Dow product). If you want to go in on a bag let me know. I'll never use 40 pounds of the stuff.

Steve,
I thought trifluralin was safe for most trees. Is it not?

9/20/2005 7:54:29 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Trifluralin is also none as PREEN. This is what we used for the field pumpkins this year. We applied it to the soil after the 3 leaf segment on the vines had emerged. Then brought the treated soil up around the plants.

9/20/2005 8:04:25 AM

Nc

I found this statement online:

"Trifluralin prevents root tip cells from dividing, which is the method by which roots grow"

If thats true, is it gonna be harmful to the pumpkin roots?

9/20/2005 12:44:38 PM

Montoursville, PA

Wrench........you are right on with your comments.

9/20/2005 1:03:53 PM

milford, CT,

Steve,
When you come over to see the tiller I'll show you the roots. They were not here at the beginning of the season. Must have sniffed out the good soil!. I believe I need to solve this problem or else the tree will suck up all the ammendments meant for the pumpkin. I feel I can address this problem because the trees are only on one side of the patch and hopefully I can head them off. Mark

9/20/2005 4:19:52 PM

[email protected]

Mark,

Tou are correct. Those Tulip Trees (Poplars) are opportunistic & regrow soon after tilling. Trifluralin (aka Treflan, Preen, etc) is a "root pruner". We needn't damage the pumpkins with it though.

There is a product on the market known (I believe) as "Root Barrier". It is marketted to masons & builders primarily. It's 2 layers of landscape fabric with Treflan sandwiched in betweeen. The tree roots are cut by making a trench with a shovel or Ditch Witch. Into the trench the Barrier is laid vertically like a curtain & backfilled with soil. Roots that grow too close "FEEL" the herbicide & turn around or stop growing. So obviously you would dig the trench & build the barrier right along the back & sides of your patch.

I suppose the pumpkin roots would "feel" the Trifluralin too. But for sure the effect would be much less than having Poplar roots all over the place.

9/20/2005 11:02:16 PM