Gout Weed - how deep are the roots?

21 years ago

My neighbour's gout weed continues to creep under the fence everytime I start to get rid of it. I was thinking of digging a barrier into the ground to keep the roots from coming over so much (they have loads of it), but I don't know how deep it would have to go. It's the solid green coloured kind and is very invasive!

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Comments (5)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
21 years ago
I believe that it was someone from this very forum who claimed that the roots went all the way to the Earth's core!

;-)
annaneaves
21 years ago
^^ That woun't suprize me, thats why it's so damm hard to kill!

When I dug up my yard last year in an failled attempt to get rid of my GW it seemes that the majority of the roots were only three or four inches deep however, I have little topsoil, and below that is bedrock so I don't know if that might have stunted the root growth of the GW. Also I was not successfull in getting rid of the stuff, so I would be willing to bet that there were more roots deeper down than what i thought.
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dcb123
21 years ago
I am currently growing a restricted area of Gout Weed. One end is open to the the lawn. I wish to put in a barrier and I want to know how deep to go.

The width is 8 feet. So I am contemplating a plank/board, 8' x 1' x 2" which has been weather treated. Placing it sidewise into the ground about 11 " with 1" inch above.

Any advice would be welcome.
StephyB
Original Author
21 years ago
I never really did find out how deep the roots are. I am planning to put in a barrier by my fence, but it is not an easy project since we have some shrubs growing in that area, and we can't just chop through the roots to bury something. I'm not sure if 1 foot deep is far enough or not. My understanding is that gout weed can also spread by seed if it's allowed to flower, but that it's primary means of propagation is of course the roots. Good luck! Please let me know if you have any success.
tracy__zone_3
20 years ago
I have six of the little devils I want to plant behind our fence, but wish to install a barrier as well. Lois Hole reccommends a minimum depth of 18". I've heard the metal type with no joints is best (as the roots will find their way through any opening). I've also heard of planting them in 24" bottomless pots, leaving 2" above the ground. You have to watch for roots trying to go over the wall and snip flowers before you have seed. I think I should have my head examined for even wanting to plant this stuff, but the varigated is pretty and I want to have something other than quack grass against the new white chain link fence, and give the other neighbor's an alternative to the ever-popular dandelion bouquets. :)
Hope to hear of an easier method... am I dreaming?