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Posted

Good afternoon palm experts!

I'm going to plant some 15 gallon Trachycarpus Fortunei as well as a Chamaerops Humilis in the front yard of my house here in San Francisco. However, I've had gopher problems in the past. One of my yuccas was killed by those little devils a few years back.

I have a bunch of 1" vinyl covered chicken wire that I have at my disposal. In doing some research here on the site, I get the sense that it might be a tad too wide a gauge to prevent those little varmints from eating the rootball. I'm hesitant to go smaller than that, however, as I've also read that the smaller gauge baskets can affect root growth and stunt the development of the plant. So I'm trying to balance the pluses and minuses of my options, here.

Anyone know if the roots of a mature Trachycarpus Fortunei or Chamaerops exceed 3/4 inch in diameter? If so, would a 3/4 inch gauge basket restrict the growth of the plants? Is a gopher basket even necessary if the plant is a 15 gallon sized specimen? So many questions, so little time.

If you have any experience in this area, I'd appreciate your two cents. Thanks again!

Outer Richmond District
San Francisco, California

Posted

I am an expert but I'm on my phone so I'll be brief. 1" is too large of a mesh. some small gophers can get through 3/4" but i've found it to be excellent and easy to find. They will kill a large palm so you'd be smart to cage. I've sen pics of half inch mesh not affecting roots; they just constrict and go through

Matt Bradford

"Manambe Lavaka"

Spring Valley, CA (8.5 miles inland from San Diego Bay)

10B on the hill (635 ft. elevation)

9B in the canyon (520 ft. elevation)

Posted

Thank you for the advice, Matt. 3/4 inch it is, then. Good to know that it won't affect root growth.

Best,

Raffi

Outer Richmond District
San Francisco, California

Posted

Raffi,

I just realized that I totally messed up. 1" mesh, measured verticaly, will do fine. I was thinking of the chicken wire that they use before they stucco a house, which is 1-1/2" I think. 1-1/2" is too large, but the standard 1" mesh poultry wire is perfect. I've never been able to find 3/4" mesh. Sorry to confuse you, I was confused myself.

Matt Bradford

"Manambe Lavaka"

Spring Valley, CA (8.5 miles inland from San Diego Bay)

10B on the hill (635 ft. elevation)

9B in the canyon (520 ft. elevation)

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