Totally get your frustration—I'm dealing with something similar right now. Just moved into my first home last year and discovered roots sneaking under the fence line into my veggie patch. After some trial and error, I found trenching about 18 inches deep and backfilling with gravel before installing barriers helped a ton. Still gotta prune occasionally, but it's way less frequent now. Hang in there...sounds like you're already ahead of the curve!
Interesting method, but honestly, gravel backfill might not be the best long-term fix. I've dealt with invasive roots at a few rental properties over the years, and gravel tends to shift or settle over time, eventually letting roots sneak through again. What worked better in my experience was installing a solid root barrier—something like thick plastic or metal sheeting—buried vertically about two feet deep. It's a bit more upfront work, but once it's in place, you're pretty much set for years. Gravel alone just delays the inevitable, especially if you're dealing with aggressive species like maples or bamboo. Also, pruning roots too often can stress out the tree and lead to stability issues down the line...seen that happen a couple times. Just something to keep in mind before you commit to your current setup long-term.
I've gotta say, root barriers can be great, but they're not always the eco-friendliest option. Plastic sheeting underground doesn't exactly scream "green," ya know? I've had decent luck with gravel combined with planting deep-rooted ground covers nearby—stuff like creeping thyme or clover. Seems to help keep aggressive roots at bay naturally, plus it looks nice and attracts pollinators. Might not be bulletproof, but hey, nature's messy anyway...might as well roll with it.
Yeah, good points there. I've tried gravel before too—helps a bit, but I've found it can shift over time, especially after heavy rains. I've had better luck with compacted crushed stone or even slate chips; they seem to hold up longer and still allow decent drainage. Ground covers are nice, but just keep an eye on moisture levels near foundations...roots aren't the only issue if things get too damp down there.
"Ground covers are nice, but just keep an eye on moisture levels near foundations...roots aren't the only issue if things get too damp down there."
Yeah, totally agree with this. Moisture buildup near foundations can cause way more headaches than people realize. I've seen plenty of basements and crawl spaces with mold or even structural issues because drainage wasn't properly managed. Gravel can definitely shift around after heavy rains, like you mentioned—seen that happen a lot. Crushed stone or slate chips are solid choices since they compact better and stay put longer.
One thing I'd add is to make sure your downspouts and gutters are directing water well away from the foundation. Even the best drainage materials won't help much if your roof runoff is pooling right next to your house. Also, if you're planting ground covers, pick something shallow-rooted and drought-tolerant—less likely to cause trouble down the line. Better safe than sorry when it comes to moisture control around your home's foundation...
