Removing tough root systems in a flower bed.....?

I have this flower bed out in front that has these shrub like roots growing in them. I started to dig them up, to prepare the soil for this spring and come to find out, they are everywhere. Lengthy and thick, some are so long they are growing underneath the concrete. Some little spikes have even come up and sprouted leaves. This will be a challenge! Any ideas to speed up the process of removing them or better ways so they won't come back? Should I just remove all the dirt in the bed and start fresh?

Removing tough root systems in a flower bed.....?
It would help more if we was told what kind of plant it is hope this helps.
Reply:Do you know what kind of plant the roots are for? What does it look like? There are a few things that it's very hard to get rid of, whether by removal or by trying to kill them. I had a plant that was identified as "Georgia cane" (it looks like bamboo) that seemed to double it's growth every time I tried to either cut it down or kill it! It was SO frustrating! (And I moved out of the house before I got rid of it!)





First, check with your local Agricultural Extension Agency to identify the plant and see what they recommend. They should have a good idea of how to get rid of it. You also might be able to find out at a really good nursery. Take a sample to either place when you go.





Something you can try in the mean time, if the parts coming up are big enough, is to drill a hole in them and put buttermilk into the hole. We did this with some tree stumps, and bugs came and ate the stumps away. (Well, except for the bodark stump that we've trashed 7 chainsaw blades on!)





It may be that you're either going to have to dig it all up--and make sure you get every little piece of the root--or kill it with a very strong poison that might mean you have to wait several months before you put anything else in the bed. I hope that's not the case.





Good luck!