Do Gophers Eat Lavender Roots

Yes, gophers do eat lavender roots and they can absolutely destroy your plants in the process.
 
If you’ve noticed your lavender wilting or dying suddenly, gophers eating lavender roots is often the sneaky culprit behind the damage.
 
These burrowing pests are attracted to the tender, succulent underground parts of many plants, and lavender’s root system is no exception.
 
While the fragrant oils in lavender leaves may deter some pests, gophers seem to ignore the smell and go straight for the roots.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into why gophers eat lavender roots, how to spot the signs of an infestation, and the most effective ways to protect your plants.
 
Let’s get to the root of the problem.
 

Why Gophers Eat Lavender Roots

Gophers eat lavender roots because they’re opportunistic feeders that prioritize energy-rich food sources.
 
Unlike voles or rabbits that nibble on above-ground growth, gophers tunnel underground and feed primarily on roots and tubers.
 
Lavender’s woody stems and aromatic leaves don’t appeal to them much, but the roots are a different story entirely.
 

1. Lavender Roots Are Tender and Hydrating

Gophers eat lavender roots because those roots hold moisture and nutrients that are easy to access.
 
In dry seasons, when other food sources are scarce, gophers will actively hunt for plants with juicy root systems.
 
Lavender roots aren’t as fibrous as some perennials, making them a quick and satisfying meal.
 
Once a gopher finds a lavender plant, it will often chew through the main taproot and smaller feeder roots.
 
This feeding behavior explains why your lavender might look fine one day and then collapse the next.
 

2. Gophers Are Attracted to the Planting Area, Not the Scent

Many gardeners assume that lavender’s strong essential oils repel all underground pests.
 
But gophers eat lavender roots despite the smell because they’re not deterred by aromatic compounds like insects are.
 
Instead, gophers select their food based on root size, depth, and moisture content.
 
Lavender’s roots typically grow in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil, which is exactly where gophers love to tunnel.
 
So even if a gopher doesn’t initially target lavender, it will happily eat the roots when it encounters them during its digging.
 

3. Gopher Mounds Signal Active Feeding

If you’ve seen fresh mounds of soil near your lavender, gophers are dining on the roots beneath.
 
These crescent-shaped mounds are a sure sign that a gopher has been excavating tunnels and eating plant roots.
 
When gophers eat lavender roots, they often pull the entire plant downward into their tunnel system.
 
This is why you might find lavender plants suddenly missing or tilted at odd angles after a gopher visit.
 
The roots are the prize, and the plant itself is often discarded once it’s been severed from its lifeline.
 

How to Tell If Gophers Are Eating Your Lavender Roots

Gophers eat lavender roots in a way that leaves distinct clues behind, so you can diagnose the problem quickly.
 
Here are the most common warning signs to watch for in your garden.
 

1. Sudden Wilting or Yellowing Leaves

When gophers eat lavender roots, the plant loses its ability to take up water and nutrients.
 
This causes the leaves to wilt, turn yellow, or brown even if you’ve been watering regularly.
 
Lavender is drought-tolerant, so unexpected wilting is a red flag that something is wrong underground.
 
Check the base of the plant by gently tugging on the stem – if it comes up easily, the roots are likely gone.
 

2. Fresh Dirt Mounds and Tunnels

Gophers are neat diggers, and they push excess soil out of their tunnels in fan-shaped mounds.
 
Look for these mounds within a few feet of your lavender plants.
 
Unlike molehills that are volcano-shaped, gopher mounds are flattened and off-center with a plugged hole.
 
If you find these near your lavender, gophers are eating the roots in that exact spot.
 

3. Chewed Root Systems

If you gently dig around a struggling lavender plant, you might find the roots have been cleanly chewed off.
 
Gophers eat lavender roots with sharp incisor teeth, leaving jagged or angled cuts.
 
You may also see tooth marks on larger woody roots near the surface.
 
This is the most direct evidence that a gopher is responsible for your plant’s decline.
 

Effective Ways to Stop Gophers from Eating Lavender Roots

Now that you know gophers eat lavender roots, let’s talk about how to protect your plants from these underground thieves.
 
You have several reliable options, ranging from physical barriers to natural repellents.
 

1. Install Underground Wire Baskets

The most foolproof method is to plant lavender inside a wire mesh basket.
 
Use galvanized hardware cloth with openings no larger than a quarter inch.
 
Form the basket around the root ball so gophers can’t reach the roots from any angle.
 
This creates a physical barrier that stops gophers from eating lavender roots no matter how hungry they are.
 

2. Use Gopher Traps Strategically

Trapping is one of the most effective ways to eliminate gophers that are actively eating your lavender roots.
 
Place traps in fresh, active tunnels near the mounds you’ve spotted.
 
Set two traps facing opposite directions in each tunnel opening for better success.
 
Check the traps daily and reposition them if you don’t catch anything within a few days.
 

3. Try Natural Repellents and Castor Oil

Some gardeners find success with castor oil-based repellents because gophers dislike the taste and smell.
 
Apply a liquid castor oil solution around your lavender plants and water it into the soil.
 
This won’t kill gophers, but it can encourage them to move to a more pleasant area of your yard.
 
Combine this with planting marigolds or alliums nearby, though there’s no guarantee gophers will stay away.
 

What to Do If Your Lavender Is Already Damaged

If gophers have already eaten lavender roots and your plant is struggling, act quickly to save it.
 
First, dig up the entire plant and inspect the root system for any remaining healthy sections.
 
Cut away any mushy or completely severed roots with sterile pruners.
 
Replant the lavender in a raised bed or container with fresh, well-draining soil.
 
Water it deeply and keep it in partial shade for a week to reduce transplant shock.
 
If the roots are totally gone, the plant may be a lost cause – but you can propagate new lavender from cuttings.
 
Once you replant, immediately install a gopher-proof barrier to prevent future attacks.
 

So, Do Gophers Eat Lavender Roots?

Gophers do eat lavender roots, and this feeding habit can be devastating to your garden if left unchecked.
 
These pests are primarily drawn to the root systems of their favorite plants, and lavender is unfortunately on the menu.
 
By understanding the signs of gopher activity and using a combination of barriers, traps, and repellents, you can protect your lavender and keep it thriving.
 
Now that you know gophers eat lavender roots, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your plants.
 
Check your garden regularly for mounds and wilting plants so you catch the problem early.
 
With the right strategy, you can enjoy healthy lavender without sharing its roots with hungry gophers.