Tree roots are often overlooked when planning landscaping or maintaining a property, yet they can pose serious risks to structures below the surface. From cracked sidewalks to compromised foundations, invasive roots are a common cause of long-term damage. This is where root barriers play a crucial role, offering a proactive solution to protect buildings and underground utilities while allowing trees to grow safely.
When Are Root Barriers Necessary?
When trees or significant shrubs are planted too near foundations, driveways, patios, and underground pipelines, then root barriers are usually suggested. As the trees mature, their root systems extend out in quest of water and nutrients, often outward beyond the canopy. In the case of expansive soils or in old construction, roots can contribute to soil displacement, out-of-control moisture conditions, and the pressure on building foundations.
Signs to mark that root barriers are needed include recurrent cracking of sidewalks, lifting pavement, breaks in plumbing pipe systems, or sinking patches near trees. This is also known to save huge repair costs in the later stages, during new construction or landscaping programs, and to prevent mishaps.
Features of Root Barriers
Root barriers are usually designed depending on specific challenges:
1. Plastic Root Barriers.
These barriers are made with high-density polyethene (HDPE) and are most popular. They are strong, pliable, and immune to decay. The working principle that this plastic barrier upholds is: it tends to give roots a different direction-wise downward growth rather than allow them to spread towards structures horizontally.
2. Metal Root Barriers
Commonly manufactured from aluminium or steel, metal barriers are stronger and are used in challenging environments of root growth. While effective, the costs are usually higher, and they could corrode over time if not properly treated.
3. Fabric Root Barriers
They are generally made up of geotextile material that decelerates root growth, instead of completely stopping it. They are generally employed in garden environments where only partial root control is capable of getting the job done.
Advantages of Setting Up Root Barriers
The main advantage of root barriers is protection. Because they direct the root system parallel to the ground, the root structure reduces damage to foundations, heaves up pavement, and disrupts plumbing, drainage, and sidewalks. Moreover, root barriers prevent the absorption of excess moisture on foundation soils, thus averting the occurrence of soil shrinkage after a time of expansion.
Besides, it catalyses the growth of trees relatively healthy. When roots are forced to make their way downwards, trees secure nutrients from water reservoirs deeper enough in the soil, enhancing their capacity to withstand any upheaval by being there without causing problems to nearby structures.
Installation Tips to Get the Best Results
Installing root barriers must be done correctly for them to be of any use. They should be placed vertically between the tree and the structure to cut off the root passage to a decent enough depth, usually situated 18-36 inches below the surface, to prevent hindrance. Try to join the sections together tightly so that roots do not grow through the gap.
It’s also important to consider soil type, tree species, and proximity to the structure before installation. Only experts would make the best decisions for a barrier type and installation for long-term success.
Companies in this industry, such as Perma Pier, understand how underground factors like root intrusion can impact a building’s stability and overall integrity.
Conclusion
Tree roots may grow silently, but their impact on structures can be costly if left unmanaged. By identifying risk zones early and installing proper root barriers, homeowners and property managers maintain the integrity of foundations, walkways, and utilities while retaining the natural landscape. Provided with the right material and professional insight, root barriers are a sensible, long-term aid against any further structural hindrance.
