Elm Tree Roots in the Southwest US

MontePerez

Hi, I live in New Mexico and there are a lot of Elm Trees in my neighborhood and the past 2 years the elm tree roots invade my garden bed. My question: How far from the elm trees should I locate my garden? Thank you for any advice or input!

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/912697#Comment_912697

Not necessarily. Locusts, in general, are very good for the garden. Black locust is a nitrogen fixer. I have read varying accounts of honey locust in regard to nitrogen. But, the pods are full of sugar. They both make excellent compost and attract critters that fertilize the soil. THe honey locust was actually Bill Mollison's cornerstone tree for soil rehab and establishing gardens.

LaurieLovesLearning

I have a question for you.

What variety of elm do you have? We have Siberian elm in my area. Its like a weed wherever it shows up. To know the type of elm you have will help determine the next thing I mention.

The horizontal diameter of the largest part of the canopy (so, the drip line) of the mature tree will help determine how far the roots extend.

The closest I might put something is still at least a couple of feet from that boundary, if not more.

The other question is, does this tree or trees give your garden any shade? Herbs are fine with some shade, but most garden veggies love full sun.

MontePerez

Thank you! Yes they are Siberian Elm Trees.

And yes, the elm trees and a legume tree (honey locusts) provide shade. I've considered taking the elm trees down (they are on my property). The honey locusts are twin trees and their trunks come from the same stump, anyway I really like the locust trees because of the shade and I heard that honey locusts provide nitrogen to the soil but I worry their roots are also sabotaging my garden bed.

I'm also considering growing my veggies in a raised garden bed in a different location away from the trees and in full sun!

LaurieLovesLearning

@judsoncarroll4 What do you know about honey locusts & gardens in close proximity? Would the roots sabotage a garden?

Anyone else have advice?

I can't comment on these through experience because they don't grow here.

LaurieLovesLearning

@MontePerez It sounds like you may not have an issue with the honey locust after all!

MontePerez

@LaurieLovesLearning and @judsoncarroll4 This is VERY helpful, Thank you!! I am going to keep the locust trees:)

VermontCathy

Having nitrogen fixers growing next to other plants won't necessarily make the nitrogen available to plants growing nearby. The nitrogen will only be released when the nitrogen-fixing plant materials rots back into soil.

One common approach is to chop-and-drop nitrogen fixers like clover or annual legumes, letting the material compost in place. You could do the same thing with tree branches, twigs, leaves, etc. depending on the tree and your local soil. Thing of it as ongoing hugelkultur!

MontePerez

@VermontCathy Thank you:) I did not know that's how it works, it makes perfect sense!