I Have Two Large California Pepper Trees And Their Roots Have Been Invading My Raised Vegetable Garden Beds. Veggie Production Ha

Question

s been dismal the past couple of years and I suspect that the Pepper tree roots are sucking the nutrients and water out of the bed s. I am in the process of removing the Pepper trees (and grinding the stumps) to support another landscape project. I understand that Pepper trees can be somewhat Allelopathic and I am wondering if I will need to remove all the soil in those beds and replace it with new soil and organic material before replanting or if I can simply revitalize the old soil. I am concerned that if the Pepper tree roots that were in the beds left residual toxins in the soil that may still impact growth of new plantings.

Answer 1

It will, but not from the roots! This will come from any leaves that have fallen within the last few rainfalls. After several rains, the toxins will be at a dilution rate suitable for gardening. Still, it would hurt to amend the soil for optimal growth.