Even though many benefits come with planting trees in your garden or on nature strips, there are also a few disadvantages that need to be taken into consideration.
One such disadvantage is invasive root growth. This is when a tree's roots will naturally spread out and venture in between water pipes, underneath footpaths and other areas where you don't want them to go.
An effective way to prevent invasive root growth is to install a root barrier during the planting process. But how exactly do you install it? Here's how.
Tree roots can cause thousands of dollars in damage when they infiltrate underground infrastructure. They seek out water and nutrients, which means they're naturally drawn to irrigation systems, sewer lines and stormwater drains.
Concrete footpaths and driveways are also at risk. As roots grow and expand, they create enough force to lift and crack even thick concrete slabs.
Installing a root barrier at the right time saves you from costly repairs down the track. It's a preventative measure that's far cheaper than fixing damaged infrastructure or removing a mature tree that's become a problem.
Root barriers come in different depths and thicknesses depending on the application. The two main factors to consider are the size of the tree at maturity and what infrastructure you're protecting.
For small to medium trees, this 450mm deep barrier provides adequate protection for typical residential applications like garden beds and paths. It's easier to handle during installation and suits trees that won't develop massive root systems.
Larger trees and critical infrastructure need more substantial protection. The 600mm depth option works better for mature species or when protecting building foundations, as it forces roots to grow deeper before they can potentially spread laterally.
Both options use 1000 micron thick material. This heavy-duty construction resists root penetration while remaining flexible enough to work with during installation.
Planting a tree requires you to dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. This gives the roots room to establish without becoming pot-bound in overly compacted soil.
Once you have placed the tree in the middle, the root barrier is placed around the edge of the hole. Measure the circumference and cut it so it overlaps by at least 30 centimetres.
After that, install the root barrier, making sure that the top levels with the ground's surface. Use backfill to keep it in place and pack it firmly to prevent gaps.
Overlap the root barrier to complete the circle, providing maximum protection. Root barrier can be joined together using butyl tape at the seam to create a watertight seal.
This barrier will stop the tree roots from spreading outwards and direct them to grow downwards into the ground. The roots will naturally grow deeper where there's moisture and nutrients, keeping them away from lateral infrastructure.
Before installation, you'll need to measure out the surrounding area to determine where the root barrier will be most effective. Consider the tree species and how far its roots typically spread at maturity.
To protect a footpath, the root barrier should be installed adjacent and parallel to the structure. Therefore, measure the distance of the footpath you want to protect, adding at least one metre beyond each end.
Once the area has been measured out, you'll need to prepare to install the root barrier by digging a trench with a depth of roughly 80 centimetres deep and 10 centimetres wide. This trench will need to be dug parallel to the footpath to prevent all the surrounding roots from growing directly underneath it.
Root barrier typically comes in depths of 450mm or 600mm. When installing in an 80cm trench, the barrier should sit flush with or slightly above ground level after backfilling.
Check for existing services before digging. Contact Dial Before You Dig to locate underground utilities and avoid costly or dangerous damage during excavation.
Having the right equipment makes installation faster and prevents damage to the barrier material. Most tools are standard garden or trade items you may already own.
The barrier material itself is relatively lightweight but comes in 50 metre rolls. Having a second person helps with unrolling and positioning, especially for longer installation runs.
Root barriers work best as part of a comprehensive tree establishment system. Once roots are managed, protecting the trunk and controlling weeds around young trees improves survival rates significantly.
Weed competition robs young trees of moisture and nutrients during the critical establishment phase. This 1.83 metre wide woven mat provides excellent coverage around larger tree pits while allowing water and air to penetrate to the root zone.
For native revegetation projects on slopes, erosion control becomes critical. These 200mm coir logs stabilise soil while establishing trees develop root systems strong enough to hold banks on their own.
The combination of root barrier, weed suppression and trunk protection gives new plantings the best chance of thriving. Each product addresses a specific threat that could otherwise compromise tree health or cause property damage.
Installing the barrier too shallow is the most frequent error. Roots will simply grow under a barrier that doesn't extend deep enough for the species being planted.
Failing to overlap and seal joints creates gaps where roots can penetrate. Always overlap sections by at least 30cm and use proper butyl tape rather than cheaper alternatives that degrade.
Leaving the barrier sitting above ground level looks untidy and allows roots to escape over the top. The barrier should finish flush with the surface or slightly below, then be covered with mulch.
Poor backfilling creates voids where roots can travel alongside the barrier rather than being redirected. Firm backfill in layers as you go to eliminate air pockets.
Once you've completed the steps needed to properly install a root barrier, you can now prevent the roots of young trees from spreading to areas that you don't want them to go. The installation process takes a few hours per tree but provides decades of protection.
Remember that root barriers work best when installed during planting, not retrofitted around established trees. Planning your tree placement with infrastructure protection in mind saves significant effort and expense.
If you're looking for rolls of high-quality root barrier or any other erosion control products, talk to the team at All Stake Supply. Our team has years of experience in providing Sydney with a range of environmental supplies.
We'll work with you to make sure you get products that are ideal for your project. If you'd like to enquire about our range or would like to learn more about how we can help you, give us a call on 1300 130 123 today.
