I've been considering HDPE barriers myself, but the thought of digging down 3-4 feet makes me hesitate—sounds like a backbreaker.
"Even then, no guarantees...roots are stubborn little buggers."
Makes me wonder, has anyone tried chemical root barriers instead, or is that just asking for trouble down the line?
Tried the chemical barrier thing a few years back—figured I'd spare my spine from digging trenches deep enough to bury a small car. Worked great at first, but honestly, it felt like playing whack-a-mole. Roots just popped up further down the line, angrier and thicker. Eventually had to bite the bullet and dig anyways—lesson learned. My advice: get a buddy, some cold drinks, and embrace the backache...it beats chemical warfare in your garden any day.
Haha, been there myself—thought I'd save a buck and my back by renting one of those mini trenchers. Ended up wrestling with that beast all weekend, and still had roots popping up months later. Cold drinks definitely helped ease the pain though...
"Ended up wrestling with that beast all weekend, and still had roots popping up months later."
Haha, yeah those mini trenchers can be trickier than they look. Good on you for sticking with it though—just remember next time to pace yourself and watch out for hidden rocks or cables... safety first, always.
Good point on the cables, but honestly, hidden sprinkler lines have given me way more grief. Ever had to patch one up after slicing through it? Not fun...
