Dan Musicant wrote:
My very large plum tree is north of my tomato plot and the branches
overhang the northern most tomato plants (the trench for the tomatoes
runs north and south). Even if and when I trim the tree boughs (so
sunlight isn't intercepted), the roots invade the root space of the
northern most 1-2 tomato plants unless I insert barriers to keep the
plum tree roots out. Unless I block tree root access, the
northern-most tomato plant or two are pretty scrawny. Last year, the
barrier was fairly effective, it will be less so this year because
the thin veneer plywood material is decomposing in spite of the wood
preservative I applied when inserted last year.

I'm looking for a material I can use for a root barrier that will
last a few years, maybe last indefinitely. Can I pick up something at
Home Depot or Orchard Supply Hardware that I can maybe cut into
pieces with a jigsaw and use for a root barrier that will last a
while?

The trench I dig for my tomatoes is generally about 2 feet deep,
because once I get to that depth (I virtually always do this some
time in March) the trench has standing water when I get to about 2
feet. The soil is pretty heavily clay, so I work in loads of compost
when I refill the trench, which I make myself. The barriers I've been
putting in are about 2 feet (maybe a bit more) from top to bottom.

I might remove the tree, but of course that's a BIG job. Suggestions
appreciated!


I have a roll or "root barrier" material that is about 2 feet wide and maybe
1/32" thick plastic that would work well. So it is available somewhere. Maybe a
nursery? You could use plastic or fiberglass roofing material (corrugated
roofing?)
Dan


Email: dmusicant at pacbell dot net