The benefits of root barrier installation
Even though many great benefits come with planting trees in your garden or on nature strips, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One of these is root growth.
Even in normal weather conditions, Australian varieties of trees and shrubs use large quantities of water. When the soil becomes dry around the root systems, the roots naturally extend and grow in the direction of soil moisture. When they spread too far and get into the wrong places, they can cause damage.
Arborists are tree experts who can assess the possibility of root damage before it occurs and put measures in place to help a tree flourish without affecting neighbouring areas. One of our solutions to the problem of intrusive roots is to install a root barrier.
What is A Root Barrier?
A root barrier is a physical barrier that we place in the ground. Roots can cause substantial damage to the foundation of buildings, cracking your walls, or lifting pathways and driveways. Root barrier installation prevents the roots from growing under the house, safeguarding your property.
Ideally, barriers should be put in before you plant the tree or when you’re planting the tree. They are impermeable, so they act as a cut-off wall, preventing moisture from leaching away from under the building. They also prevent moisture from moving sideways through the soil. This is why little moisture loss takes places.
Safe Root Barrier Installation For Trees
The closer you get to the root with a root barrier, the more root you need to cut. So, you can understand how poorly installed root barriers can damage trees or their root systems. The closer the barrier is to the trunk of the tree, the more the tree’s stability is compromised too. The placement of a root barrier shouldn’t restrict the soil volume the tree can access or be placed too close to the stem. Doing so can create an unbalanced and potentially unsafe root plate.
It’s always advisable to work with a certified and experienced arborist for root barrier installation to avoid this. When installing barriers, we use a formula based on the tree’s diameter to determine where to place the root barrier. We measure the tree’s diameter, multiply this by 3.5, and then place the barrier this distance around the tree.
The depth of the barrier matters too. Root barrier is placed in a trench dug around a building between one and two metres from the wall of the building. This effectively extends the foundations on which the building sits. The narrowness of this trench means far less mess and refill.
The root barrier should be placed at least 1.5m to 3m deep, depending on the soil type. Roots will eventually grow under it unless installed on top of solid rock, which is why the system should be inspected annually by an arborist.
The Cost of Root Barrier Installation
The quote we put together for you will depend on how deep the root barrier needs to be placed. A safe estimate is to budget for between $200-300 per metre. Annual inspections are charged at $80 per inspection.
How T&G Tree Services Can Help
We are experts in the field of tree care and tree maintenance on the Central Coast. Our crews are certified and trained professionals who can advise on any job, big or small, that might affect trees. We will carefully carry out our work to give you the best possible result, backed by a comprehensive insurance cover. Contact us today for a non-obligation free quote.