This is a practical question. I'm working on some raised bed gardens that are very overgrown with tree roots. I've been told to line the outside of the boxes about 2' down with siding and since tree roots are mostly near the surface, that should stop them from invading the beds.

Question

Looks like siding can be steel, masonry, vinyl, wood, or composite. Since the beds will be used for vegetables, I'd like to use a material that won't decompose and that will hold up to being shoved into the earth. Any suggestions?

Thanks from Sheryl

Answer 1

Vinal siding works ok, as does heavy duty landscape fabric...however both require the dirt to be moved or a trench dug...one can't shove them in. Trenching machines work great, you might check rental cost.

Yes, two feet down is adequate for several years (except for some invasive trees, such as Chinese Tallow).

I don't recommend wood, as you would need treated (with cyanide or such) wood, which does leach out over time.

This is spring or fall work, heavy digging, unless you rent a trencher. Have you discussed this with your local garden club, or county agricultural agent? That advice, although free, is very valuable.

Answer 2

The local hardware store and a master gardener suggested the siding solution but it sounds like that is even temporary. No one liked the landscape fabric as a solution because it won't stop roots.

Thanks for the input.

Sheryl