Landscape & Urban Design Issue 65 2024 | Page 68

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

ROOT BARRIER :

YOUR HIDDEN LANDSCAPING ASSET

1 . Root Barrier Directors : Use these when planting , tree root barrier directors guide roots away from hard surfaces , foundations , and utility trenches .
2 . Liner Barriers : These are installed around areas you want to protect , even if they ’ re not right next to the trees e . g . lining utility trenches .
3 . Ribbed Root Barriers : Urban trees benefit from these , ribbed root barriers encourage roots to grow downward , and prevent spiralling .
4 . Deep-Root Barriers : When existing trees become a threat e . g . structural root damage or subsidence . A permeable barrier is a good solution here , to safeguard structures and infrastructure .
Root barriers are frequently the unseen key to successful landscaping and construction projects . When used strategically , they can save money on the maintenance and repairs caused by root damage . But that ’ s not all . They can preserve neighbourly relations by preventing root encroachment onto neighbouring land . Homeowners are increasingly getting their hands dirty , taking on projects like installing bamboo barrier to prevent encroachment from running bamboo .
Beyond simply safeguarding The core purpose of root barrier is to block or offer protection from roots ; however , this ability extends their use for a range of purposes . Root barriers provide an effective solution for controlling the development of tree roots around newly planted trees and for managing tree-related subsidence . Costs for the installation of root barriers are a fraction of those for underpinning as a result of subsidence . And , new developments can accommodate more trees without posing a threat to nearby buildings or structures .
The invasive plant industry have been using root barriers for some time to block the encroachment of Japanese knotweed and bamboo into neighbouring properties . Thousands can be saved from preventing litigation where encroachment has occurred . Or , in the case of Japanese knotweed , creating burials cells with specialist knotweed root barrier membrane . Less taxed waste to landfill can mean lower project costs and a potentially better project solution .
Root Barriers at Work Root barriers available in the market are typically designed with a specific task in mind . They can resist the relentless expansion of tree roots , shrubs , and invasive plants , but they also play a crucial role in mitigating root-related problems . Root Spiralling , structural damage , and compromising utility services can be avoided with their use .
Breaking down root barrier use for trees : There are various tree root barrier types designed to address a number of different challenges .
Choosing the Right Root Barrier for Your Project Selecting the best root barrier for your project requires consideration of product features . You ’ ll need to decide between laying weed membrane , which provides permeability and inhibits annual weed growth , and root barriers . Weed membrane won ’ t resist tree , shrub , and invasive plant roots in both vertical and horizontal applications . In these instances , either a permeable or nonpermeable root barrier will need to be specified . Your specific selection will depend on the parameters of your project .
The specialist options available Root barriers come in various geotextile materials , each serving distinct purposes :
• Permeable Composite Root Barriers : featuring a copper layer ; used for subsidence and to block knotweed
• Vertical Ribbed Root Barriers : to direct root growth downward .
• Permeable Non-Woven Polypropylene Geotextile : perfect for weed suppression .
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