is a Subsoiler the right tool for this job?

[trackman23]

I am looking to cut tree roots at the edges of my fields and garden to try and keep the trees (mostly pine), from robbing moisture from the grass and vegetables. I have an MX4800 4wd and was thinking that I could use a subsoiler to run around the tree line but wasn't sure if it would actually go deep enough to be effective to keep the trees from robbing the garden.

Am I on the right track with the subsoiler or is there a better way to skin the cat?

Thanks!

 

[D2Cat]

That is exactly what a subsoiler is for. Bury it as deep as you can and hopefully the model you have has a shear pin to save damage,

 

[trackman23]

That is exactly what a subsoiler is for. Bury it as deep as you can and hopefully the model you have has a shear pin to save damage,

I haven’t bought one yet but was going to get one with the shear pin / bolt for sure

 

[fried1765]

I am looking to cut tree roots at the edges of my fields and garden to try and keep the trees (mostly pine), from robbing moisture from the grass and vegetables. I have an MX4800 4wd and was thinking that I could use a subsoiler to run around the tree line but wasn't sure if it would actually go deep enough to be effective to keep the trees from robbing the garden.

Am I on the right track with the subsoiler or is there a better way to skin the cat?

Thanks!

A lot depends on the size of the trees, and the size of their roots.
If they are small pines, and you are trying to rip roots less than 1" diameter, it should work, ......down to about 20".
If the roots are more than an inch diameter, you should probably get a root ripper.
The deepest root ripper available, is by OX Thumbs, and will rip to 28".
It is very tough, and will rip whatever your tractor has the power to pull.

 

[trackman23]

A lot depends on the size of the trees, and the size of their roots.
If they are small pines, and you are trying to rip roots less than 1" diameter, it should work, ......down to about 20".
If the roots are more than an inch diameter, you should probably get a root ripper.
The deepest root ripper available, is by OX Thumbs, and will rip to 28".
It is very tough, and will rip whatever your tractor has the power to pull.

The forest is young, last cut maybe 14-years ago but I don't know what that means in terms of root size.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Yes, right tool for the job. Start say 10' from tree line,so all the way down and back,then get say 5' from tree line make another pass. Kind of 'sneaking up' on the roots. If you try right AT the tree line you're sure to snag a BIG root which will surprise you !.

 

[Smokeydog]

Yes, that will work.

Subsoiling allows more water to soak into the soil and retain moisture longer. One of best soil improvements you can do that returns the best bang for the buck. Soil scientists say we don’t do it enough.

 

[D2Cat]

Subsoiler is also nice to use for a drainage tool. Any area that holds moisture, simply bury the tool as deep as possible and move in the direction going down grade. Do that a few time and you'll be amazed at how the moisture follows the broken ground and doesn't stay on the top.

 

[Outnumbered]

Subsoiler is also nice to use for a drainage tool. Any area that holds moisture, simply bury the tool as deep as possible and move in the direction going down grade. Do that a few time and you'll be amazed at how the moisture follows the broken ground and doesn't stay on the top.

Agree 100%, I have done this in a few areas that used to stay mucky until mid summer. Now the rain just flows and drains. Much nicer to cut in the spring without burying the zero turn.

 

[trackman23]

Yes, that will work.

Subsoiling allows more water to soak into the soil and retain moisture longer. One of best soil improvements you can do that returns the best bang for the buck. Soil scientists say we don’t do it enough.

My soil is only about 8”-10” of sandy loam, then clay until you hit rock, 30’ down. I’m not sure I would get any real drainage in my soils

 

[D2Cat]

My soil is only about 8”-10” of sandy loam, then clay until you hit rock, 30’ down. I’m not sure I would get any real drainage in my soils

Try it and find out. That clay will separate when the subsoiler goes through it and work just as described. We have heavy clay in some areas here. Nice clay, could make pottery with it!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: One of best soil improvements you can do that returns the best bang for the buck. Soil scientists say we don’t do it enough.

but,but 'no-till' eliminated the need for it !