Do gophers eat tree roots? - Plant Care Guide

Yes, gophers do eat tree roots, and this is one of the most destructive forms of damage they inflict on trees, especially young ones. Pocket gophers are herbivores that primarily feed on underground plant parts, including roots, tubers, bulbs, and rhizomes. Their tunneling activity can also girdle or completely sever the root systems of trees and shrubs, leading to decline or death.

What Are Gophers and Why Do They Eat Tree Roots?

Gophers, specifically pocket gophers (family Geomyidae), are fossorial rodents, meaning they are adapted to a subterranean lifestyle, spending almost their entire lives underground. They are common agricultural and garden pests across North and Central America, known for their extensive burrow systems.

Here's a breakdown of what gophers are and why they eat tree roots:

• Appearance and Characteristics:
  • Size: Varies by species, but generally 6-14 inches long (including tail).
  • Distinctive Feature: They have large, fur-lined external cheek pouches (pockets) on either side of their mouth, which they use to carry food and nesting materials back to their burrows (hence "pocket" gopher).
  • Adaptations for Digging: Powerful forelimbs with long claws, small eyes and ears, and incisors that can be used for digging even with their mouths closed.
  • Solitary: Generally solitary animals, except during mating season. One gopher can cause significant damage.
• Dietary Habits (Herbivores):
  • Primary Food Source: Pocket gophers are strict herbivores, and their diet consists almost entirely of underground plant parts. This is why they are so destructive to root systems.
  • Preference: They prefer fleshy, succulent roots, tubers, bulbs, and rhizomes. They also pull entire plants down into their tunnels from below.
  • Why Tree Roots: Tree roots provide a substantial and continuous food source for gophers, especially as they tunnel through an area. Young trees, in particular, have roots that are more tender and easily consumed, but mature trees are not immune.
• Tunneling Activity:
  • Extensive Systems: Gophers create complex burrow systems that include shallow foraging tunnels (near the surface) and deeper main tunnels (1-3 feet deep) for nesting and food storage.
  • Mounds: Their presence is most often identified by characteristic fan-shaped or crescent-shaped mounds of fresh soil on the surface. These mounds are created as they push soil out of their tunnels.
  • Root Severing: As they tunnel, they can inadvertently (or intentionally, while searching for food) sever or girdle the roots of trees and shrubs, cutting off the plant's water and nutrient supply.

In summary, gophers are highly specialized subterranean rodents whose natural diet and tunneling behavior directly lead them to consume and damage tree roots, making them a significant threat to orchard and landscape trees.

What Damage Do Gophers Cause to Tree Roots and Trees?

The damage gophers cause to tree roots and trees is often severe and can be fatal, especially for young or newly planted trees. Their subterranean feeding and tunneling directly compromise the tree's ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to a cascade of debilitating symptoms.

Here's a breakdown of the specific damage:

1. Direct Root Consumption (Girdling and Severing):
   • Mechanism: Gophers actively chew through and consume tree roots. They are particularly fond of the tender, fleshy roots of young trees and feeder roots of established trees.
   • Girdling: They often chew a ring around the base of the main root or trunk just below the soil line, effectively girdling the tree. This severs the phloem (which transports sugars down) and xylem (which transports water up), starving the tree.
   • Severing: They can completely sever major structural roots, significantly impacting the tree's stability and ability to draw water.
   • Impact: A tree that has lost a significant portion of its root system or has been girdled cannot transport enough water and nutrients to its canopy.
2. Wilting and Decline of Foliage:
   • Mechanism: When roots are damaged or severed, the tree cannot absorb enough water to compensate for transpiration (water loss from leaves).
   • Symptoms: The first visible signs above ground are often sudden wilting of leaves, especially during hot weather. Leaves may turn yellow, brown, or appear scorched. This can happen to an entire side of the tree or the whole canopy.
   • Impact: Looks like drought stress, even if soil moisture is adequate.
3. Stunted Growth and Reduced Vigor:
   • Mechanism: Chronic root damage from gopher feeding deprives the tree of essential nutrients and water, reducing its overall energy production.
   • Impact: The tree exhibits stunted growth, a lack of vigor, reduced leaf production, and often produces smaller, unhealthy fruit (for fruit trees).
4. Tree Death:
   • Mechanism: Severe root consumption or complete girdling of the main roots will inevitably lead to the tree's inability to survive.
   • Impact: Young trees can die within weeks or months. Mature trees may decline slowly over several seasons before succumbing.
5. Instability (for Mature Trees):
   • Mechanism: If gophers sever major anchoring roots of large trees.
   • Impact: Can make the tree unstable and potentially prone to falling in high winds or storms, creating a safety hazard.
6. Indirect Damage (Soil Disturbance):
   • Mechanism: Extensive tunneling around the root ball can create air pockets, disrupting the soil-to-root contact that is vital for water absorption.
   • Impact: Further dehydrates roots, even if they aren't directly eaten.

The damage inflicted by gophers is often insidious, occurring entirely below ground until the visible symptoms of tree decline become advanced. This makes early detection of gopher activity crucial for protecting trees.

How Do I Identify Gopher Activity Near My Trees?

Identifying gopher activity near your trees early is crucial to prevent significant root damage. Since gophers operate mostly underground, their presence is typically revealed by characteristic surface signs.

Here's how to identify gopher activity:

1. Characteristic Mounds of Soil (Most Common Sign):
   • Appearance: Look for fresh, fan-shaped or crescent-shaped mounds of soil, usually about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in diameter.
   • Distinguishing Feature: Gopher mounds typically have a plugged hole to one side of the mound. The soil is pushed out of a lateral tunnel, and then the opening is sealed, leaving no visible central hole. This is the key difference from mole mounds.
   • Location: Mounds will often appear near the base of trees or in garden beds where roots are a food source.
2. Plugged Tunnel Openings:
   • Appearance: Sometimes, you might see small, raised ridges in the soil that indicate a shallow tunnel, with a plugged-up opening where soil has been pushed out.
3. Depressions or Sunken Areas:
   • Appearance: Over older tunnels, the ground may sink or form depressions as the tunnels collapse, especially after rain.
   • Impact: Can be a tripping hazard and destabilize plants.
4. Disappearing Plants or Collapsing Soil:
   • Appearance: A small plant or seedling might suddenly disappear, or an area of soil around a plant might unexpectedly collapse.
   • Cause: The gopher has pulled the plant down into its tunnel to eat, or a shallow tunnel has caved in.
5. Wilting or Stunted Trees/Shrubs (Damage Already Occurring):
   • Appearance: If you see a tree or shrub wilting (especially on one side), turning yellow, or showing stunted growth despite adequate watering, it's a strong indicator of root damage.
   • Confirmation: If these symptoms are accompanied by fresh gopher mounds nearby, the diagnosis is clear.
6. "Feeding Plugs" in Lawns:
   • Appearance: In lawns, gophers might create small, round, raised soil plugs where they have pushed soil out of shallow feeding tunnels.

Table: Gopher vs. Mole Mounds

If you observe these characteristic mounds, particularly the fan shape and plugged hole, it's time to take action to protect your trees from gopher damage.

What Are the Best Strategies to Protect Tree Roots from Gophers?

Protecting tree roots from gophers is essential for the long-term health and survival of your trees, especially in areas with known gopher activity. A multi-pronged approach that combines exclusion, trapping, and vigilance is usually most effective.

1. Install Gopher Wire Baskets (for New Plantings - Most Effective Exclusion):
   • Method: When planting a new tree, dig a hole slightly larger than needed. Line the hole with a commercially available gopher wire basket (made of galvanized steel hardware cloth, 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch mesh). Place the tree (with its root ball) inside the basket.
   • Installation: Ensure the basket extends from the bottom of the planting hole to at least 6-12 inches above the soil line. This protects the roots and the base of the trunk from above-ground feeding. Flare out the top edges slightly.
   • Benefits: Highly effective exclusion for the critical first 5-10 years of a tree's life, allowing the root system to grow large enough to withstand some gopher damage.
   • Considerations: Ensure the wire is durable and won't rust away too quickly. You can find gopher wire baskets at garden supply stores.
2. Create a Root Collar (for Established Trees or Added Protection):
   • Method: For existing trees, or as an added layer of protection, you can bury a cylinder of hardware cloth around the base of the trunk, extending 18-24 inches deep and 6-12 inches above the soil line.
   • Benefits: Protects the critical root crown area from girdling.
3. Trapping (Most Effective Control for Existing Populations):
   • Method: Trapping is often considered the most effective way to eliminate gophers from an infested area. Use specialized gopher traps (e.g., Macabee, Cinch, Black Hole) placed directly into active tunnels.
   • Technique:
     • Locate a fresh, active mound.
     • Dig open the plugged tunnel opening.
     • Probe for the main runway (often 6-12 inches below the surface).
     • Place two traps (one facing each direction) deep into the tunnel.
     • Cover the opening with plywood or dirt to block light.
   • Benefits: Eliminates the specific damaging gopher.
   • Caution: Requires careful placement and regular checking. Always follow safety instructions. A gopher trap kit can be purchased.
4. Baiting (Use with Extreme Caution):
   • Method: Use commercial gopher baits (typically containing strychnine or zinc phosphide) inserted directly into active gopher tunnels.
   • Benefits: Can be effective for large infestations.
   • Caution: Highly toxic to pets, wildlife, and humans. Use with extreme caution, never broadcast, and always follow label instructions precisely. Not recommended in areas with pets or children.
5. Exclusion (Perimeter Fencing - for large areas):
   • Method: For entire gardens or orchards, install heavy-gauge galvanized hardware cloth fencing (1/2-inch mesh) sunk at least 2 feet deep and extending 6-12 inches above ground.
   • Benefits: Can protect large areas.
   • Cons: Very labor-intensive and expensive.
6. Vigilance and Early Action:
   • Method: Regularly inspect your garden for new gopher mounds.
   • Benefits: The sooner you detect gopher activity, the easier it is to control them before they cause extensive damage to tree roots.

Combining physical barriers for new trees with diligent trapping or other control methods for existing populations is the best approach to protect your valuable trees from destructive gophers.

What Are Common Misconceptions About Gopher Control?

Several common misconceptions about gopher control often lead to ineffective methods, wasted effort, and continued damage to plants. Separating fact from fiction is crucial for successful gopher management.

Here are frequent misconceptions:

1. "Gophers are Blind":
   • Misconception: Many believe gophers are blind, which influences how people try to control them (e.g., assuming they won't see visual deterrents).
   • Reality: Gophers are not blind, but their eyesight is very poor. They primarily rely on their excellent senses of touch, smell, and hearing to navigate their underground world.
   • Impact on Control: Visual deterrents are generally ineffective.
2. "Flooding Tunnels Will Drown Them Out":
   • Misconception: Filling gopher tunnels with water will force them out or drown them.
   • Reality: Gopher tunnels are extensive and complex, with many escape routes and upward slopings. They can often block off sections or simply dig faster than the water can fill. It's usually ineffective and wastes a lot of water.
   • Impact on Plants: Can harm plant roots through waterlogging.
3. "Sonic Repellents Work Effectively":
   • Misconception: Devices that emit sonic vibrations or pulses will drive gophers away.
   • Reality: Scientific studies have repeatedly shown no evidence that sonic repellents are effective at deterring gophers long-term. Gophers quickly habituate to the noise or simply tunnel around the devices.
   • Impact on Control: Wastes money and provides false hope.
4. "Gophers will just move to the neighbor's yard if I get rid of them":
   • Misconception: The belief that controlling gophers in your yard is pointless because new ones will immediately move in.
   • Reality: While new gophers can eventually colonize an empty territory, consistent and effective control can significantly reduce their presence. Gophers are territorial, so eliminating one creates an open space that might be filled, but it's not a guaranteed immediate replacement.
   • Impact on Control: Leads to inaction and continued damage.
5. "Dropping a Garden Hose in the Tunnel Will Gas Them Out":
   • Misconception: Using car exhaust or other gases in tunnels will eliminate gophers.
   • Reality: Extremely dangerous to humans and pets, illegal in many areas, and rarely effective due to the extensive tunnel network. Gases dissipate or are blocked off by the gopher.
   • Impact on Control: Safety hazard, environmental pollution, ineffective.
6. "Gophers only eat tender plants, not big tree roots":
   • Misconception: Large trees are safe from gopher damage.
   • Reality: As discussed, gophers actively eat tree roots, especially young trees, but also feeder roots and can girdle the base of larger trees.
   • Impact on Control: Leads to complacency and significant damage to valuable trees.
7. "Poisons are a quick and easy solution":
   • Misconception: Just dropping bait into a mound will solve the problem.
   • Reality: Baits are highly toxic and must be applied precisely into active tunnels to be effective and minimize risk to non-target animals (pets, wildlife). Inaccurate placement can harm pets or scavengers.
   • Impact on Control: High risk to non-target species if not used with extreme caution.

Relying on scientifically proven methods like exclusion (gopher baskets) and trapping is far more effective than these common but often fallacious control methods.

What Are Effective Non-Lethal Gopher Control Methods for Trees?

For gardeners who prefer to avoid lethal methods, there are effective non-lethal gopher control methods for trees, primarily focusing on exclusion and habitat modification. These strategies aim to prevent gophers from reaching and damaging tree roots without harming the animals.

1. Gopher Wire Baskets (Most Effective Non-Lethal Exclusion for New Trees):
   • Method: This is the gold standard for non-lethal protection of new trees. Install heavy-gauge, galvanized hardware cloth baskets (1/2-inch or 3/4-inch mesh) around the root ball of newly planted trees.
   • Installation: Ensure the basket extends from the bottom of the planting hole to at least 6-12 inches above the soil line. The mesh should be strong enough to withstand gopher chewing.
   • Benefits: Physically prevents gophers from accessing tree roots for the critical first years of the tree's life, allowing the root system to grow large enough to be more resilient.
   • Considerations: Eventually, roots may grow beyond the basket, but the critical young root crown is protected. You can purchase gopher wire baskets from garden centers.
2. Physical Barriers (Perimeter Fencing - for larger areas):
   • Method: Install a continuous fence made of 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch hardware cloth, sunk at least 2 feet deep into the ground and extending 6-12 inches above ground level.
   • Benefits: Creates a physical barrier around an entire garden, orchard, or specific bed.
   • Cons: Labor-intensive and expensive for large areas. Gophers are persistent diggers and can sometimes find weak spots.
3. Keeping Garden Areas Clean and Weed-Free:
   • Method: Regularly remove weeds, fallen fruit, and excessive plant debris from around trees and garden beds.
   • Benefits: Reduces alternative food sources and hiding spots for gophers, making the area less attractive.
4. Strategic Irrigation/Water Management:
   • Method: Use targeted irrigation like drip systems rather than broad sprinklers that water large areas between plants.
   • Benefits: Gophers prefer areas where digging is easy (moist, loose soil) and where there are plenty of roots. By only watering specific plant zones, you make other areas less hospitable.
5. Encouraging Natural Predators (Limited Effectiveness for Direct Control):
   • Method: Attract gopher predators like owls, hawks, and snakes to your property. This can be done by installing owl boxes or creating brush piles.
   • Benefits: Contributes to a balanced ecosystem.
   • Cons: While beneficial, relying solely on predators is generally not sufficient for controlling an active gopher infestation around valuable trees. They are a long-term, supplementary control.
6. Castor Oil-Based Repellents (Limited Effectiveness):
   • Method: Apply granular or liquid repellents containing castor oil (often mixed with other essential oils) around active gopher areas.
   • Benefits: Non-lethal. Gophers dislike the taste/smell.
   • Cons: Effectiveness is often limited and temporary. Requires frequent reapplication, especially after rain, and may only encourage gophers to move to an untreated area. You can find gopher castor oil repellents.

For reliable, non-lethal protection of individual trees from gophers, gopher wire baskets are by far the most effective non-lethal method, especially for new plantings. Combining this with vigilance and good garden hygiene offers the best chance of coexisting with gophers without losing your trees.