Xeriscape Newsletter July 2014 | Page 7

Getting to the Root of it!

By Christina Wagner

Tree roots can pose a costly and damaging threat to hardscapes. Recently our crew removed two sections of sidewalk because the roots from a nearby tree were seeking water. When this happens, the tree roots will seek water, and it really doesn’t matter what they need to go through to get it. To repair the sidewalk, first the concrete must be removed. Then the roots are removed and new concrete is reinstalled. In the album below, the entire process can be seen.

Our Xeriscapes crew can easily do all of this work. When roots are the culprit, it can be prevented with root barriers. Tree Root Barriers are guides that redirect tree roots down and away from hardscapes. Tree Root Barriers can be used for linear or surround applications. Linear application provides maximum hardscape protection by placing barriers in a straight line directly along the hardscape to be protected; surround application by surrounding the planting on all four sides. Take a look at the video by DeepRoot that illustrates how this works:

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