Root bound and down : (

[cptChris]

We just moved into a huge property last year and I made the mistake of making our raised beds about 100 ft away from a large popular tree. Last year we had a not bad year. This year was a disaster. The beds have become completely root bound by the poplar.

My question is do I have to toss all the dirt or can I just take it out...put some screens and plastic down so the roots won't come back, put the turned dirt back, roots and all, mix in some compost and manure and it'll be fine? Will the roots that were there break down or will they continue to cause problems as they're already in the soil?

Very saddened by this....it was a bad year between that and any near by rabbits ravished anything and everything.

[gumbo2176]

I would seriously doubt if screen or plastic will stop the roots from returning. I've seen roots work their way into the old style red clay pipes used in sewer drains, so thin plastic and screen wouldn't stand a chance.

It may be best to move the raised bed to an area far from the tree.

[HoneyBerry]

I agree. The garden needs to be moved. :-(