Roots taking over my raised beds, what are they? - Ask Extension
My raised beds have been assembled for 4 years. Starting last year, my raised beds, which are built on quality landscape fabric, became filled with al...
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Roots taking over my raised beds, what are they? #909308
Asked July 10, 2025, 4:50 PM EDT
My raised beds have been assembled for 4 years. Starting last year, my raised beds, which are built on quality landscape fabric, became filled with all of these roots. I'm not sure what to do about the roots. I don't know if they are tree roots or not. The last 2 years, my garden has not produced like it did in the first 2 years. I'm attaching picture of what they look like.
Hamilton County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Ashley,
I very much understand your disappointment.
While I cannot definitely identify what kind of roots these are , I suspect that they are tree roots and that they are likely the cause of your reduced yield because they are taking the water and nutrients from your garden. Trees have a lot of feeder roots and are generally found within the top 12 to 18 inches of the surface. They are abundant especially when they encounter moist, fertile soil.
I don't have a really good recommendation but here are a few ideas:
I very much understand your disappointment.
While I cannot definitely identify what kind of roots these are , I suspect that they are tree roots and that they are likely the cause of your reduced yield because they are taking the water and nutrients from your garden. Trees have a lot of feeder roots and are generally found within the top 12 to 18 inches of the surface. They are abundant especially when they encounter moist, fertile soil.
I don't have a really good recommendation but here are a few ideas:
- You can try to chop up the roots withing the bed every year. This will be an ongoing problem.
- You can try and dig a trench all around your raise beds to slow the roots infiltration.
- If you can somehow raise the beds off the ground or the tree roots will keep coming back.
- How do you feel about moving your raised beds?
Hi Ashley,
I very much understand your disappointment.
While I cannot definitely identify what kind of roots these are , I suspect that they are tree roots and that they are likely the cause of your reduced yield because they are taking the water and nutrients from your garden. Trees have a lot of feeder roots and are generally found within the top 12 to 18 inches of the surface. They are abundant especially when they encounter moist, fertile soil.
I don't have a really good recommendation but here are a few ideas:
I very much understand your disappointment.
While I cannot definitely identify what kind of roots these are , I suspect that they are tree roots and that they are likely the cause of your reduced yield because they are taking the water and nutrients from your garden. Trees have a lot of feeder roots and are generally found within the top 12 to 18 inches of the surface. They are abundant especially when they encounter moist, fertile soil.
I don't have a really good recommendation but here are a few ideas:
- You can try to chop up the roots withing the bed every year. This will be an ongoing problem.
- You can try and dig a trench all around your raise beds to slow the roots infiltration.
- If you can somehow raise the beds off the ground or the tree roots will keep coming back.
- How do you feel about moving your raised beds?
