Containing raspberries - Ask Extension
We love our raspberry feast every June, and I know that raspberry canes spread rapidly - that's how they came into our yard in the first place, from ...
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Containing raspberries #180587
Asked May 10, 2014, 3:09 PM EDT
We love our raspberry feast every June, and I know that raspberry canes spread rapidly - that's how they came into our yard in the first place, from our neighbor's yard. But in my yard, I don't want them to spread any further. I remember watching a TV show a year or so ago where a landscaper was putting sheets of metal down into the earth to keep a patch of bamboo from spreading. I would like to do the same around my raspberry patch, but I don't know what kind of metal to use that would not leach anything toxic into the soil, and that wouldn't be too expensive. Do you have any advice for me? I'm also open to other containment ideas. Thank you. - Leslie
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello,
Yes, you can try to contain the raspberry roots by using metal, placed vertically. Note that raspberry roots will not spread farther than about 10 feet from the plant. They only spread farther when a new cane (sucker) is allowed to grow....then you have to measure out 10 ft from that one and so on. Removing suckers immediately helps limit the weedy spread of raspberry. If you want to use a metal barrier, put it at least 3 to 4 ft away from the plant so the roots have enough "room". You can pretty much use any available metal; pieces (scrap) roofing may work. You would need to dig and put the metal vertically down to about 3 ft to be sure the roots don't go under the metal barrier.
Yes, you can try to contain the raspberry roots by using metal, placed vertically. Note that raspberry roots will not spread farther than about 10 feet from the plant. They only spread farther when a new cane (sucker) is allowed to grow....then you have to measure out 10 ft from that one and so on. Removing suckers immediately helps limit the weedy spread of raspberry. If you want to use a metal barrier, put it at least 3 to 4 ft away from the plant so the roots have enough "room". You can pretty much use any available metal; pieces (scrap) roofing may work. You would need to dig and put the metal vertically down to about 3 ft to be sure the roots don't go under the metal barrier.
