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carlybird

raised beds near black walnut tree.. root barrier?

carlybird
15 years ago

I am planning to construct raised beds (4 beds - 4'x8'x1'deep) in my backyard in the Spring for a vegetable garden. I've done a lot of research, but haven't found a clear answer to my problem:

I have a Black Walnut tree in the yard (dun dun dunnn...). The raised beds will be outside the drip line, with the most sensitive plants as far as possible, but all four beds will probably still have walnut roots beneath them. To be safe, I would like to put some kind of barrier on the bottom of the beds to keep any pushy walnut roots from making their way into the beds.

What can I use to stop roots from entering the beds without creating drainage problems? Is landscape fabric strong enough? Would plywood work? If I use a totally impermeable sheet material like plywood, how should I allow for proper drainage?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

p.s. If I owned the house I would consider axing the tree, but since I'm only renting I do not have that option.

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