Anne

The edging below is the kind of thing you need for a root barrier. But you might have to make the 10-12" border beyond that, maybe concrete or hypertufa blocks, even large tiles of some sort that the dogs can't scratch out of place if they've such a disposition. Rubber matting?

Here is a link that might be useful: Bedding Edger

Hi Anney,

Thanks for the link. That looks like great stuff, but I think it costs more than I can afford to spend right now (esp. if I still need to buy extra to make the system complete). Any idea how wide it is or how deep the edging has to go for a root barrier? I came across something called Duraflash on the home depot website - an inexpensive vinyl flashing without sharp edges that MIGHT work - but I may have to dig a slot in the soil for it rather than just being able to pound it in.

Anne

Anne

Get an old meat cleaver -- if you lived nearby I have one you could have -- and use it to make your slot. You could certainly hammer it down to break the roots apart. It would take some time if you have a hundred feet to go, but it would do the trick even if it was slow going. I suppose a square shovel would let you do the same thing, probably much quicker!

Then, as you note, you could use a cheaper material for the root barrier. I've no idea how long grass roots are; it must depend on the type. But you could water a small area until it's soggy and gently pull up on some of what's there to get an idea of the root length. With a barrier AND a 10-12 inch extension, you aren't likely to get much invasion from the other side!

Hi Anney,

Thanks for the GREAT suggestions! We actually DO have an old meat cleaver lying around .

Anne

Actually, I was thinking that being on my hands and knees whacking cleaver into the ground for 100' might be a bit much for me. I was just wondering if I might be able to use my little pressure washer with the "concentrated" jet head to make the slot. Could be sort of messy, but it really wouldn't matter too much - the mud would just go onto the path or onto the lawn a bit. I think the jet would be strong enough to sever grass roots . Just don't know if I could get deep enough before there would be too much mud/water in the slot to make the technique effective for any great depth. Guess I need to experiement on our next official watering day.

Anne

Do you have a sidewalk edging tool (electric, gas, or manual)? That can be used to make a narrow trench - 2 of my neighbors recently used it to put in ivisible fencing for their dogs. Would be easier than the meat cleaver routine and less messy than water.

Hi Rose Nutty,

I've got a weed eater with a swiveling head so that it can be used as an edger. I don't know how deep it would cut, but I can sure give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion!

Anne