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Erin,Ontario.

I have a patch 35'x35'that has five pine trees about 12feet tall and an elm about 25-30 feet all on the one side of my patch.How invasive would the root system be?And has anyone else experienced this and what measures did you use?I really dont want to cut these trees down.

11/21/2012 11:45:04 AM

Bethlehem CT

I don't think the roots would be a big problem, you may have to cut a few of the rope like lateral roots and the hair roots would just get chopped up with the tiller. Given time the roots of trees will grow back up into your fertile patch soil, but with a good tilling you can keep them at bay. Elms tend to have very shallow roots near the surface If you are right near the stump this could be a problem. The pines would be less of a problem.
The bigger concern of mine would be sunlight. Are you getting enough? Trees on the north side of the patch will have very little shading affect as long as you don't have too many branches that hang over the patch. If that elm is to the south of your patch that is more of a problem.
I have a couple gardens right up against a forest. The trees are to the north and do not cause me any problems. The insects are worse in that patch though, because of all the nearby leaf litter for them to winter over in.

11/21/2012 12:29:59 PM

Erin,Ontario.

Thanks BM.The trees are on the north east side and the elm does throw some shade,especially from Sept on.I'm going to rent a ditch witch and chew the root system up on that entire side.

11/22/2012 3:19:21 PM

Omaha, Ne.

trees are weeds

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=173353

11/22/2012 5:25:56 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

It's okay to keep the trees although you will lose sun. I am surrounded by trees on 3 sides and won't cut them down either. A few are well over 100 feet and I'm sure the roots do leach up nutrients but I am able to grow 500 pounders with 4 hours of sunlight. Here's a couple pics.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=161660

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=167964

11/22/2012 7:18:01 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Trees have been my nemesis for years. More than one area started out root free only to end up fully invaded by roots. I have to tear up most of my raised beds because they have become so invasive. BUT, not all roots are created equal. Like Luke, I have several mature oaks that shouldn't be a problem in a new area where I had 12 trees cut down. My previous problem was with poplars which are weeds.

11/22/2012 9:04:51 PM

Lodi, California

first problem with trees, you wont be able to till toe pumpkin patch, second, trees shade the plant to much and pumpkinslike full sun, third, the trees rob the nutreints from the soil. i recomend you use a different sight or if you have to uproot the trees. if you leave the stump in the ground then tilltng the soil will be almost impossible if the trees have strong roots. good luck!

11/23/2012 11:49:52 PM

Muddy Waters

Have you tested your soil? I will bet its very acidic.I would find a new spot or cut down the trees.If you must keep them,keep an eye on your soils makeup less your growing giant blueberry's then your fine.

11/24/2012 8:38:56 AM

Erin,Ontario.

I get a soil test spring and fall and make the necessary amendments.Shade is a problem later in the growing season for sure.I'm hoping the main issue is the roots robbing the nutrients.The biggest I've grown is 759lbs on this patch.My goal is 1000lbs,so hopefully the witch will do the job.If not I'll have to plant blueberries....Cutting down the trees is not an option.

11/24/2012 12:36:21 PM

Ontario

You could thin out some of the internal limbs of the tree , it will allow more light through, without taking down the tree . Terry

11/24/2012 1:31:22 PM

Georgetown, Ontario

That's a great idea Terry....you can selectively remove about 25% of the limbs and if done properly it won't have any affects on the tree. This will open up the tree canopy and allow some light to filter through. What you don't want to do is top the tree, but a few limbs completely removed will open a few windows in the tree. It will be temporary and likely needs to be done every couple years.

11/24/2012 4:49:39 PM

Muddy Waters

Trickle feed the nutrients to the plant twice a week,then it wont matter if the tree is using some of the goodies up.

11/24/2012 5:01:13 PM