Thriving in the High Desert: Planting Bare Root Trees for Success

Planting Bare Root Trees in the High Desert: A Gopher-Proofing Guide

Planting trees in the high desert presents unique challenges. The arid climate, sandy soil, and, most significantly, the relentless presence of pocket gophers demand a strategic approach. This guide outlines a successful method for planting bare root trees in this challenging environment, ensuring their survival and thriving growth.

The Threat of Pocket Gophers

Pocket gophers are a major concern for any high-desert gardener. These burrowing rodents can quickly decimate young trees by severing their roots. Their tunneling activity in the loose, sandy soil makes it easy for them to access and damage the root systems of newly planted trees. The author learned this lesson the hard way, losing a significant number of young pine seedlings to gophers in a single winter. As a result, a robust gopher protection strategy is paramount.

Sourcing and Selecting Bare Root Trees

The process begins with sourcing the right trees. Bare root trees, especially those grown from locally collected seeds, can be a good choice as they are already adapted to the local climate. Some may be grown from seed, while others are sourced from reputable nurseries, such as Flora Fauna Farm. Selecting healthy bare root trees is crucial for successful establishment.

Gopher-Proofing with Root Cages

The core of the protection strategy is a root cage, which prevents gophers from accessing and damaging the tree’s roots. The root cage design is a critical aspect of this method. Here’s how it’s constructed:

• Materials: The cage is constructed using a combination of materials to offer different levels of protection. The sides of the cage use 1/2