Root Barrier Installation: Protecting Your Property from Tree Roots

What Is A Root Barrier?

A root barrier is a physical barrier around a tree to prevent its roots from damaging nearby buildings, pipes, and other structures. This is done by digging a trench around the tree and installing a barrier material, such as plastic or geo-textile fabric, to block the roots’ growth. Most people are surprised to learn that tree roots can actually cause damage to their surroundings due to their typically slow growth but appearances are certainly deceiving in this case.

How Effective Are Root Barriers?

Root barriers can be very effective in preventing damage to buildings, pipes, and other structures caused by tree roots. However, their effectiveness depends on several factors, such as the quality of installation, the depth and thickness of the barrier, and the type and size of the tree. Proper installation and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of the barrier and its effectiveness in preventing root growth.

Do Root Barriers Harm Trees?

Root barriers do not harm trees if they are installed properly and do not interfere with the tree’s root system. However, if the barrier is installed too close to the tree or is too deep, it can damage the tree’s root system and cause it to decline or die. While we always encourage people to learn about proper methods for caring for their trees, having a root barrier installed is something we recommend leaving to an experienced arborist.

How Deep Should A Root Barrier Be?

The ideal depth of a root barrier depends on several factors, such as the size and species of the tree, the soil type, and how far away nearby structures are. As a general rule, the barrier should be installed at a depth of at least 60 cm to be effective in preventing root growth. As you can see, many factors go into making this decision. You should always be careful when digging around your home as pipes and other buried infrastructure could be damaged.

What is the best material for root barriers?

The best material for root barriers depends on several factors, such as the soil type, the depth of the tree roots and the proximity of nearby structures. Some common materials used for root barriers include plastic, geo-textile fabric, and concrete. Each material has its pros and cons and the choice of material should be based on the specific situation. Picking the right material is crucial to getting the best results possible from the root barrier.

Why Use a Professional Arborist to Install Root Barriers?

While root barriers can be a highly effective way to prevent damage from tree roots, installing them requires specialised knowledge and skills. As we discussed above, the species of tree, type of soil and immediate surroundings all factor in when deciding how to best install a root barrier. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional arborist to install root barriers on your property.

Here are a few reasons why using a professional arborist is important:

• Proper placement: Professional arborists have a deep understanding of how trees grow and the best way to place a root barrier to prevent root growth while not harming the tree which is always of the highest consideration when installing a barrier.
• Experience: Professional arborists have experience working with a variety of tree species, soil types, and root systems. They can quickly identify potential issues and develop a customised solution to meet your specific needs.
• Equipment: Installing root barriers requires specialised equipment, such as a trenching machine. Professional arborists have access to this equipment and can ensure the installation is done efficiently and effectively.