Gophers

[Randyp]

I'm planning on finally getting some palms in the ground early this spring and was wondering if gophers have much of a taste for palm roots. I'm not sure of how to protect the plants except by caging the roots until they get established. I've had a runnung battle with them the last few years as they tend to show up in spring with the increased vegitation ( weeds ) due to winter rains. Any advice ??

[palmazon]

the root cage is a good start - John Reese once demonstrated how he foiled the little beggars by pressing a layer of aviary wire into the hole and planting a palm within the basket formed by the mesh; answer to your first question - gophers indeed eat palm roots

[Dypsisdean]

Gophers eat more than palm roots. In California, I've had them eat the palm heart out from underneath of more than one prize palm just before it started to trunk. One of the best things about palm growing on a lava flow---I don't think a gopher could even survive here. I would love to see them try to dig some tunnels around here.

[Patrick]

I've heard a gas/oil mix down their hole does wonders- I know it's a bit hokey.... Don't forget the match!

[Zac in NC]

There is always the ways Bill Murray tried to get rid of the Golfers, I mean gophers in Caddy Shack. A Plastique replica was a great idea. I know how you feel, only I don't have gophers, I have voles, but they are equally nasty bastards.

Zac

[Randyp]

Thanks Guys

I've become pretty good at catching them but it leaves a toll on the yard. Not that it matters much now cause there is not much back there but once I start spending the cash to fix it up I'll need to be more careful. I think I saw a commercial cage procuct for Fruit trees that would probably do the trick for a while anyway. I'll just have to be more on top of them in spotting their first raids into the yard or spend the cash to have a proffesional come out and gas them.

[STEVE IN SO CAL]

I used to cage plants, but find it unnecessary if you're vigilant about trapping(as you should be, cages or not)...be sure to put carcasses back in hole from whence it came...deters future interlopers

[Randyp]

Thanks Steve

Yes, I do stuff them back in the hole before covering it up.  Sends a good message to any new ones in the area.