• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Made in the U.S.A. | Shipping included for all online orders within the contiguous U.S. See Details
Order By Phone: (833) 261-6501
Americover logo

Americover | Plastic Sheeting Supplier for Construction and Horticulture

Protection from the Ground Up

(833) 261-6501 : Order By Phone M-F, 7am-4:30pm (PST) | Distributors | My Account | 0 Items
Log In Cart
  • Products
    • Shop by Application
    • GROWS
    • Agriculture
    • Greenhouse
    • Landscape and Hardscape
    • Water Retention Liner
    • Livestock Curtains and Barriers
    • BUILDS
    • Surface Protection
    • Containment
    • Vapor Barriers
    • Liners and Covers
    • Safety
    • Drainage
    • Recreational Events
    • Shop by Product
    • Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting
    • Reinforced Plastic Sheeting
    • Self-Adhesive Plastic Film
    • Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting
    • Antistatic Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting
    • Heavy Duty Liners
    • Tapes & Accessories
    • Heat Shrink Wrap
    • Vapor Retarders
    • Non-Reinforced Poly Sheeting
    • VIEW ALL PRODUCTS
  • About
    • About Americover
    • Who We Serve
      • For Builders
      • For Growers
      • For Distributors
    • Meet the Team
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Request a Quote
How to Install a Root Barrier

How to Install a Root Barrier

How to Install a Root Barrier

Trees and screening plants like bamboo are staples of any well-landscaped area. They clean the air of carbon dioxide, cool living spaces, bear fruit for our tables, provide a habitat for birds and wildlife — the list goes on.

While trees and bamboo are beautiful, their roots can be destructive to foundations, concrete structures, utility pipes and drain fields. If you are planting a new tree or bamboo plant, installing a root barrier along with it will save you time, money and hassle in the long run. And if it’s an existing plant that’s wreaking havoc on neighboring crops or structures, a root barrier is critical to repairing damage caused and preventing more issues going forward.

Here, we’ll explain what root barriers are, why they are important and how to install them for a variety of applications.

What is a root barrier?

A root barrier is essentially just what it sounds like: a mechanism that prevents the spreading of underground tree roots and resulting damage to nearby structures. Root barriers come in physical and chemical forms, with the latter preventing the growth of tree roots by destroying them altogether, often taking the surrounding plant life with them. For that reason, we recommend the less destructive, more environmentally-friendly option of installing a physical root barrier.

Physical root barriers simply redirect roots without harming the tree or bamboo. A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) root barrier acts as a waterproof seal to prevent the loss of moisture in soil while protecting foundations, utility piping, hardscapes and pavements from damage.

Why should I use a root barrier?

There are many reasons to consider installing a root barrier, from protecting the well-being of your plants to preventing trip-and-fall hazards in yards, driveways and on sidewalks.

Root barriers can keep tree roots from invading garden soil and depriving your plants of moisture. If your crops aren’t quite thriving like they used to but that big old oak tree in the backyard has never looked healthier, you may want to take a peek beneath the soil. If you’ve got wooden roots where beetroots should be, it’s probably time to install a root barrier.

While root barriers can help create an environment where all plants can coexist in harmony, depending on the location of the tree in question, they can also be a critical safety consideration. Tree roots growing under sidewalks, for example, can cause the concrete to lift, creating a tripping hazard and potential liability (especially in public spaces). If the tree is on your property, root barriers can help prevent costly damage to yards, swimming pools, driveways and the foundation as a whole.

When and how to install a root barrier

Ideally, root barriers should be installed before planting a tree or bamboo plant in order to properly direct the roots from the start and avoid disruption to the root system. However, we understand this isn’t always feasible — and that, more often than not, the need for a root barrier doesn’t become known until later down the road when the issue can no longer be ignored. Whether you are starting fresh or mitigating an existing tree or bamboo plant, a successful installation begins with a flexible, high-quality root barrier that conforms to the space while resisting tears and punctures.

Linear barrier vs. surrounding root barrier installation

Root barriers can be installed in either a linear or surrounding fashion. Linear installation is generally best-suited for trees that are up against concrete sidewalks or curbs, allowing you to install the barrier only on the side of the tree at risk of impacting the foundation.

Root barrier installation for new trees

Planting a new tree is the best time to install a tree root barrier, as this will allow the roots to grow naturally in the direction you set. Here’s a quick breakdown below — for a more comprehensive explanation, check out this step-by-step guide.

  1. Plan & Measure. First, measure the diameter of the trunk and multiply that number by three, rounding up rather than down (in this case, a little extra room is a good thing). Then, measure the length of the root barrier, dividing that number by the width of its panels. This will tell you how many panels you need.
  2. Get to Digging. Once you know where you’re installing the root barrier, dig a trench. The depth for most trees is 24” – 36”, less 1 inch if you plan to catch surface roots as well. The trench width should be approximately three-to-four inches wide.
  3. Install Your Root Barrier. Insert each panel of your root barrier into the trench, making sure it sticks out at least one or two inches above-ground. Replace the dirt, alternating one-third dirt, then water, then dirt, and so on until the trench is backfilled to ground level.

Root barrier installation for existing trees

Installing a root barrier for an existing tree is a similar process to that of a new tree — that is, until you get down to the roots. Depending on the type, age and size of the tree — and the extent of the root spread — it might be necessary to cut back some of the roots, which may be best handled by a professional. (On that note, it’s probably not a bad idea to get the advice of a professional landscaper or arborist, especially if this is your first root-mitigating go-round).

Special considerations for bamboo barriers

Because bamboo grows at such a rapid pace, containment is crucial. Installing a bamboo root barrier (also called a rhizome barrier) follows essentially the same process as installing a tree root barrier — the main difference is in the measurements. For timber bamboo projects, we recommend a custom-fabricated HDPE geomembrane liner, which is engineered to perform in extended exposure to outdoor conditions. Because HDPE is custom fabricated to size and specifications, it is a versatile option ideal for unwieldy bamboo plants.

Materials to use for root barriers

Whether you’re ready to plant a new tree or need to mitigate damage from an existing one, Americover can provide you with the materials to create a happy and healthy environment for all of your plant life. Browse our selection of high-quality root barriers and rhizome barriers, or give us a call at 760-388-6294 to discuss the right solution for your space. And, be sure to check out the video below for a visual guide to installing a root barrier.

Video: What is a root barrier and how do I install it?

[qode_advanced_tabs title_tag=”h3″][qode_advanced_tab tab_title=”Request Distributor/Contractor Pricing”]

For Contractors and Distributors

We offer special pricing, volume discounts, short lead times and a dedicated account manager who will work with you to get exactly what you need. If you would like to speak with a representative, contact us at 833.261.6501.

[/qode_advanced_tab][qode_advanced_tab tab_title=”Request a Catalog”]

Shop Americover By Catalog

To browse our full inventory of plastic and polyethylene products, sign up to receive our catalog by mail, or access a digital copy here. If you would like to speak with a representative, contact us at 833.261.6501.

[/qode_advanced_tab][qode_advanced_tab tab_title=”Contact Us”]

Get in Touch

As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you would like to speak with a representative, contact us at 833.261.6501.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[/qode_advanced_tab][/qode_advanced_tabs]

Primary Sidebar

Search Blog Posts


Categories

  • Americover BUILDS
    • Anti-Static Poly
    • Containment Liners
    • Crawlspace
    • Disaster Preparedness
    • Dust Containment
    • Fire Retardant
    • Floor Covering
    • Glass Containment
    • Green Building
    • Home Improvement
    • Radiant Barriers
    • Regulations and Safety
    • Renovation
    • Root Barriers
    • Surface Protection
    • Trade Shows
    • Vapor Barriers
  • Americover DIY
    • Halloween Haunted House
    • Heat Shrink Wrap
    • Helpful Tips
    • Ice Rink
    • Special Events
    • Water Slide and Summer Creations
  • Americover GROWS
    • Aquaponics
    • Greenhouse Covers
    • Harvest Tips
    • Hydroponics
    • Light Deprivation
    • Marijuana Growers
  • Americover News
  • Product in Action
  • Uncategorized
  • Video Library

Subscribe to News and Updates

Register to receive product updates, special offers, and industry news!

SUBSCRIBE

833.261.6501
inquiries@americover.com
Submit Contact Form

Request a Pricing Quote

Simply fill out the form below and a team member will get back to you shortly to discuss your Volume Pricing quote.

Footer

About Us

Americover is a premier supplier of plastic sheeting and polyethylene solutions serving businesses and consumers across the construction, horticulture and agriculture industries.

Contact Us

833.261.6501
Send us an email
Submit Contact Form

Order Support

  • My Account
  • Request a Catalog
  • Shipping & Returns
  • Warranty Coverage
  • FAQs
  • Conversion Calculators
  • Contactenos (Español)

News and Updates

Blog

Subscribe to receive product updates, special offers, and industry news!

Subscribe Now

Copyright © 2023. Americover, Inc. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Headquarters: 2067 Wineridge Place, Ste F, Escondido, CA 92029