Re: Tree Roots
- Subject: Re: Tree Roots
- From: R* W*
- Date: Sun, 08 Jul 2001 18:24:53 -0400
Don,
it sounds like your system is working. I am using the bags as digging that
deep would be a backbreaking endeavor and they are very cost effective when
you place a value on the contents. My question on your system would be
--what do you do at the "seam"? or do you just push the plastic in the hole
and cut a slot at the bottom?
Ray
Don wrote:
> In the 'soil amending' thread there were comments about placing hostas
> in pots or 'bags' to protect them from tree roots.
>
> I have had to lift and replant about 100 hostas over the last 10 years
> because of tree root invasion of the planting hole. I tried the
> following three years ago on 30 or so hostas and so far it is working.
>
> I dig a hole about 18" deep, cone shaped at the bottom, and 18/24" wide
> depending on the hosta size. A shovel-full of gravel is placed at the
> bottom of the cone. The hole is lined with 6 mil black plastic with a
> slot cut in the bottom for drainage. The top of the plastic at ground
> level is hidden with mulch.
>
> In three years the hostas have done very well and show a normal increase
> in size. What I don't know is if the tree roots will eventually
> penetrate the plastic. No one that I have talked to has known the
> answer. Also, from my experience and from what I have read, the major
> problem comes from tree roots in the top 12" of soil so I am hoping that
> they don't grow down under the plastic and up through the drainage hole.
> Maybe the gravel will inhibit that from happening. In a couple more
> years I should know for sure if this method is going to work.
>
> That would solve the below ground problem but then there are the deer
> above.......
>
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