Best Root Barrier - Ask Extension
At head of this summer expected drought, we are trying to find the best root barriers for our 50 year old oak trees in order to keep root runner from ...
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Best Root Barrier #864307
Asked April 12, 2024, 6:44 PM EDT
At head of this summer expected drought, we are trying to find the best root barriers for our 50 year old oak trees in order to keep root runner from damaging our home's foundation. We been given suggestions of pvc sheets 4 feet deep or a chemical root barrier. We want something that will work but not harm our trees or our home.
Harris County Texas
Expert Response
Good morning,
Thank you for the question. I'm going to make two assumptions. One, you live in a subdivision. And two, it is a live oak tree. You've mentioned that the oak trees are 50 years old, this means that the root system is well developed and there are most likely roots underneath the foundation.
A barrier of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to a depth of 30 to 48 inches deep is required. There are some HDPE barriers that are impregnated with trifluralin (herbicide). My recommendation is that the HDPE is sufficient to inhibit root growth.
I'm going to add a link that details root barriers:
https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/hortupdate_archives/2002/mar02/art3mar
This article talks about the work to install the root barriers.
Now, installing root barriers on established trees requires a lot of physical work and the appropriate equipment. The location of utilities also must be considered during the installation. I point this out because I feel that this is a job that should be done by an experienced professional.
You can access this website: treesaregood.org
This site will guide you to arborists in your area.
For further questions please contact us at:
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County Master Gardner Hotline
<personal data hidden>
Phone<personal data hidden>
Best regards,
Jerry
Thank you for the question. I'm going to make two assumptions. One, you live in a subdivision. And two, it is a live oak tree. You've mentioned that the oak trees are 50 years old, this means that the root system is well developed and there are most likely roots underneath the foundation.
A barrier of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to a depth of 30 to 48 inches deep is required. There are some HDPE barriers that are impregnated with trifluralin (herbicide). My recommendation is that the HDPE is sufficient to inhibit root growth.
I'm going to add a link that details root barriers:
https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/hortupdate_archives/2002/mar02/art3mar
This article talks about the work to install the root barriers.
Now, installing root barriers on established trees requires a lot of physical work and the appropriate equipment. The location of utilities also must be considered during the installation. I point this out because I feel that this is a job that should be done by an experienced professional.
You can access this website: treesaregood.org
This site will guide you to arborists in your area.
For further questions please contact us at:
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County Master Gardner Hotline
<personal data hidden>
Phone<personal data hidden>
Best regards,
Jerry
