From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Phoenix, AZ

I know I can put up a physical barrier and probably stop 70% of them but if I cannot get them all, it it really a problem?

I dig down about 1 ft+ and they are all over the place. Currently my amendements go down 12-15 inches.

10/15/2006 9:33:28 PM

http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=30743

10/15/2006 9:51:18 PM

Sioux Falls, SD [email protected]

I was thinking of running a small trencher between tree and patch

10/15/2006 10:09:54 PM

milford, CT,

I had a similar problem..I cut down the tree and dug out the roots. It's a lot of work but...it worked. Ask Tremor about products that will act as a barrier...he had mentioned that there were products that worked fairly well. Trees can smell the good earth, they will just continue to invade the patch. You'll need to be aggressive whatever you chose to do. On a good note...Since erradicationg my root problem my weights went up significantly. Mark

10/18/2006 11:28:48 PM

Puyallup, WA

Ben needs the trees for shade....he's in AZ! He's caught between a rock and a hard place!

10/19/2006 12:36:09 AM

[email protected]

Tree roots will quickly re-establish in good garden soil regardless how well tilled.

A ditch-witch or similar trencher can be used again at the perimeter in season to manage this situation but this is rarely practical.

Tree removal only works if you own the tree & won't miss it.

The best bet is to use Trifluralin (popular trade names: Treflan, Preen, etc) impregnated landscape fabric. Use the search words "barrier" & "trifluralin" here at BP. I know I posted the trade name & website for this stuff before. It is usually used by masons to keep roots away from sidewalks, driveways & building foundations.

You trench along side the patch removing soil in a 12-16" deep by about 4" wide ditch. The fabric is hung like a curtain in the trench which is then back-filled again to hold it in place. Encroaching roots will "sense" the herbicide & turn around. For about 5 years no new roots will migrate through this barrier.

I've heard of people mixing Treflan with sand & placing it into the trench. I wouldn't recommend this approach but it would probably work if the rate was correct. Treflan isn't labeled for this use I am sure of that.

10/19/2006 10:20:25 AM