If you plant a tree in your garden, you should install a root barrier for many of them. This is not only important to prevent the tree from spreading unintentionally.
What is the purpose of a root barrier for trees?
A root barrier for trees is made of robust materials such as HDPE or PP and should be installed at least 60 cm deep. It prevents uncontrolled root spread and the lifting of paving stones, the growth of utility lines and the destruction of foundations.
What is a root or rhizome barrier?
The task of a root barrier can be summarized in a few words: It is intended to imprison the roots and prevent them from spreading. This is particularly recommended for tree and other plant species that reproduce heavily via runners and quickly overgrow the entire garden area without a root or rhizome barrier. However, there are further reasons for additionally installing such a root barrier, especially for extremely shallow-rooted trees:
- Tree roots lift paving stones and other path surfaces
- Their roots grow around supply lines, burst pipes are the result.
- The roots grow into drainage pipes, water or sewer pipes.
- Roots can destroy brick foundations.
What material should a root barrier be made of?
Many gardeners use conventional pond liner, but this is strongly discouraged. The flexible, thin material is not suitable for stopping strong tree roots and limiting their growth. Even roofing felt does not stop trees forming runners. Instead, it's better to use special root barriers (€78.00 on Amazon) made of sturdy, high-density plastics, such as hard polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP). These are available in roll form and can be cut according to size requirements. If you simply want to prevent a shallow-rooted tree from lifting paving stones and other path surfaces, then it is best to dig lawn curbs along the path to the appropriate depth.
How to install a root barrier
Installing a root barrier, on the other hand, is quite uncomplicated:
- Dig the planting hole generously.
- Leave enough space for the roots to spread.
- Otherwise it can happen that they first grow downwards and then spread.
- Depending on the type of tree and root system, the root barrier should extend at least 60 centimeters deep.
- Cut off the required amount and lay out the root barrier in a ring.
- The two ends should overlap.
- Additional security using a screwed-on aluminum rail is also useful.
Tip
In particular, the vinegar tree (Rhus typhina), which is so popular because of its intense autumnal red color, can become a problem in the garden: its strong roots can be up to seven meters long and can root through the entire garden area without a correspondingly stable and deep root barrier.
