Just wanted advice from you guys, I have a large maple tree near my veg patch and it sends its roots into the beds. not surprised the rest of the ground is very sand. My current method of control is to dig the beds each spring to remove most of the root tips. just wondered if any of you had similar problems and how you dealt with it. It has been suggested that i double dig and put membrane down, but i'm sure the roots will still get through.
We had the same problem with an elm, and did just what you are doing, digging and removing. The feeder roots, which are closer to the surface, are the ones that drain nutrients and moisture from your vegetable bed. Fortunately, they are also the easiest to remove, being more like mesh than like woody strands. I agree--membrane isn't tough enough to withstand the onslaught of tree roots. I think you have found the solution, even though it's an ongoing struggle!
I have the same problem with my climbing ivy. Every time after a growing a batch of veggies on the bed, I would turn the earth and dig in about a foot to remove what ever roots there are. I buried the cut roots in the bed to provide nutrients when they compost.
KK,, Most ivy regenerates from roots no matter if you cut it or not. You might want to check on that before burying roots in the vegetable bed. You could be making extra work for yourself.
roots I agree, don't bury the roots while they are fresh. Let them dry completely and they'll rot on down.
Mart, thanks didn't know about that but so far so good no regeneration. Rockhound, I guess I'll put them in the compost heap in future.
