Roots from Hawthorne trees - Ask Extension
Hi. I have garden beds that are chronically invaded by masses of fine woody roots which interfere with the growth of other plants in the beds. I sus...
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Roots from Hawthorne trees #870737
Asked May 30, 2024, 11:19 AM EDT
Hi. I have garden beds that are chronically invaded by masses of fine woody roots which interfere with the growth of other plants in the beds. I suspect these roots are from large Hawthorne trees growing nearby (i.e. 20 to 30 feet from the beds) because other beds that are farther from those trees are not affected. Other trees in the area include Douglass Firs and wild cherries but other areas of the yard that are close to firs and cherries do not have the invasive root problem. Is it likely that the Hawthornes are the source of these roots?
Thanks
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. There is no way to tell the source of the roots without digging them up, and tracing them back to the tree. Depending upon the species of Hawthorn, the roots are fibrous and are extensive.
Rather than try to manage the tree, you might consider using raised bed gardening, using a screen between native soil and topsoil/potting soil. It needs to allow water to drain. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Rather than try to manage the tree, you might consider using raised bed gardening, using a screen between native soil and topsoil/potting soil. It needs to allow water to drain. I hope this helps. Good luck!
