If you plant a tree in your garden, you should also install a root barrier for many specimens. This is not only important to prevent the tree from spreading unintentionally.

There should be enough space for the roots within the root barrier

What is a root or rhizome barrier?

The task of a root barrier can be summed up in a few words: it should lock in the roots, i.e. prevent them from spreading. This is particularly recommended for tree and other plant species that propagate strongly via runners and quickly overgrow the entire garden area without a root or rhizome barrier. However, especially in the case of extremely shallow-rooted trees, there are other reasons for the additional installation of such a root limitation:

  • Tree roots lift paving stones and other pavement
  • Their roots grow around supply lines, resulting in burst pipes.
  • The roots grow into drainage pipes, water or sewage pipes.
  • Roots can destroy brick foundations.

What material should a root barrier be made of?

Many gardeners use conventional pond liner, which 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 from forming foothills. Instead, it is better to use special root barriers made of stable, high-density plastic, such as hard polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP). These are available in roll form and can be cut to size as needed. if the sole purpose is to prevent a shallow-rooted tree from lifting cobblestones and other path coverings, it is best to bury lawn curbs along the path to the appropriate depth.

How to install a root barrier

The installation of a root barrier, on the other hand, is quite uncomplicated:

  • Dig out the planting hole generously.
  • Leave enough room for the roots to spread.
  • Otherwise it can happen that these first grow downwards and then spread out.
  • Depending on the tree species and root system, the root barrier should be at least 60 centimeters deep.
  • Cut off the required amount and lay out the root barrier in a ring.
  • The two ends should overlap.
  • An additional security by means of a bolted aluminum rail is also useful.

tips

In particular, the vinegar tree (Rhus typhina), which is so popular because of its intense red color in autumn, can become a problem in the garden: its strong roots can grow up to seven meters long and, without a correspondingly stable and deep root barrier, they can penetrate the entire garden area.

Category:

Trees