The presence of trees brings many benefits, such as shade, habitats for species, increasing biodiversity, reduction of erosion, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. They also come with a few challenges that need to be managed.
Tree roots can be troublesome, pesky and annoying when they grow in the wrong place – and they often do. Trees need plenty of water to grow, and in a dry climate like Australia, finding water can sometimes be difficult. This can cause tree roots to stretch further afield and travel outwards in order to find the nutrients and water they need to survive and thrive. While this is not in itself a problem (after all, it’s just nature doing its thing), it can become one when tree roots start to damage property and cause structural and safety hazards.
When tree roots become a problem
Wandering tree roots can cause numerous problems. They can easily become a trip hazard, as they push up sections of soil, concrete or pathways, making them uneven and unstable. They can also cause significant property damage, by cracking walls, lifting paths and driveways, ruining fences, damaging the foundations of buildings and invading and blocking pipes and drainage. Repairing this kind of damage can come with a significant cost.
Invasive tree roots can also encroach on surrounding areas and deprive other plants of moisture.
How to tell if you have a tree root problem
It should be pretty obvious, but here are some of the warning signs that invasive tree roots are causing a problem:
- Uneven soil with bumps and root loops protruding
- Cracks, bumps or buckling in concrete, pavers, walkways or flooring surfaces
- Uneven door and window frames
- Cracked windows with no visible cause
- Visible tree roots protruding through soil or floor surfaces
- Blocked plumbing system, with slow-flowing and clogged drains as trees invade the pipes to seek water
- Plants surrounding trees dying off or looking unwell
How to fix it
Prevention is by far the best method of dealing with the relentless invasion of tree roots. By taking proactive steps before tree root invasion becomes a problem, you can block the destructive growth and prevent property damage down the track, as well as preventing potential liability if someone trips or falls on your property.
Know your tree
The first step in preventative tree root management is knowing which trees are likely to cause a problem. Some trees have very extensive and invasive root growth, and are far more likely to cause issues than trees with more moderate root growth. Knowing your trees will allow you to put preventative measures in place before the problem occurs. If you’re unsure which types of trees will cause issues, consult an arborist for advice.
Get professional help
An expert arborist should be your go-to professional when dealing with the problems caused by tree roots. They will be able to assess the possibility of roots causing damage before it happens, and use preventative measures to help the tree thrive without causing structural or property damage. And one of the best solutions around is a root barrier installation.
How does a root barrier work?
A root barrier is either a physical or chemical barrier that prevents tree roots from spreading through the ground and causing damage. It keeps a tree’s roots contained, while also acting as a cut-off wall to prevent moisture from leaching away through the soil. It’s a very effective way of safeguarding your property and preventing tree roots from growing where they shouldn’t. It keeps roots away from structures and water contained to where it’s most useful. And it allows you to keep those problem trees where they are by managing the issue, rather than having to remove them.
How is a root barrier installed?
A trench is dug around the tree and a flexible, high-density membrane is placed to restrict unwanted root growth and direct tree roots down through the ground rather than travelling horizontally. The trench is backfilled to hold the strong yet flexible barrier in place.
When is the best time to install a root barrier?
In an ideal world, root barriers would be installed on potential problem trees before they are planted, to direct the roots properly right from the start. However, it’s more likely that the need for a root barrier only arises further down the track when problems start to occur. A root barrier can certainly be installed on existing trees, but the process may be a little more involved.
Can I install a root barrier myself?
It’s vital for a root barrier to be installed safely so as not to cause damage to trees or their root systems. Placement of a root barrier also needs to be done correctly, otherwise it can restrict the soil volume the tree can access and create an unbalanced and unsafe root plate. Roots on existing trees may sometimes need to be cut too, and this is not a job for amateurs. For these reasons, it’s best to use a certified and experienced arborist for root barrier installation. Arborists use formulas to determine correct placement of the root barrier and can ensure it is placed in the right position and at the correct depth without compromising the stability or vitality of the tree.
As well, root barriers will need periodic inspection by a professional arborist, to ensure they are working correctly and have not been compromised.
Get in contact with the tree care specialists at Heritage Tree Care here. We service trees in all areas of Brisbane, Toowoomba, the Gold Coast and Redlands, and can ensure your tree roots don’t become a problem.