Hi, long time listener first time caller.Just curious if anyone knows about any root barrier installation on mature trees (or eventually mature trees) causing tree failure in high winds because of a lack of supporting roots on one side of the tree. Just wanted to know if it is something to consider when deciding to recommend one or not. You see I have a 80 foot Quaking Aspen 10 feet from a foundation and I want to root prune 5 feet from the main stem, no I jokes, just curious about the above question.
Root Barrier Recommendation
- Thread starter TwoBoots
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Canyon Angler
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I had a Leyland cypress blow over once due to a lack of supporting roots on one side. It was planted maybe 3' from a septic tank that was just barely below the surface of the ground (very high water table here).
The tree I planted to replace the Leyland, I planted an additional 3' or 4' away from the tank.
The tree I planted to replace the Leyland, I planted an additional 3' or 4' away from the tank.
I think the root barrier is of less concern then cutting that much root off of a mature tree.
If you put the barrier in when the tree is young, the tree will "figure out" what it needs to do to anchor itself down well. When you have a tree that "thinks" it is well anchored, and you cut the chains, you are asking for problems.
If you put the barrier in when the tree is young, the tree will "figure out" what it needs to do to anchor itself down well. When you have a tree that "thinks" it is well anchored, and you cut the chains, you are asking for problems.
Root Barrier
Thank you both for the input, I should have been more clear I did not mean root pruning that tree that close to it's main stem as a serious thing. Thank you for saying something though, I like that you called it as you saw it, as in not a good thing. I think the high water table and cutting the chains, to speak, are probably the best example's I can use when declining to root prune vs. removal of tree when it comes to saving foundations and septic systems thank you both again, very helpful both of you really thank you. Good day to you both.
Thank you both for the input, I should have been more clear I did not mean root pruning that tree that close to it's main stem as a serious thing. Thank you for saying something though, I like that you called it as you saw it, as in not a good thing. I think the high water table and cutting the chains, to speak, are probably the best example's I can use when declining to root prune vs. removal of tree when it comes to saving foundations and septic systems thank you both again, very helpful both of you really thank you. Good day to you both.
Are you an ISA member?
I just opened up the March edition of "Arboriculture & Urban Forestry". Page 84: "A Reveiw of Root Barrier Research".
Summary: 12" deep barriers won't work; 3-D gravel seems to work (if assuming you have the space); overall effectiveness of barriers is variable based on soil type, tree species and "other environmental conditions".
I just opened up the March edition of "Arboriculture & Urban Forestry". Page 84: "A Reveiw of Root Barrier Research".
Summary: 12" deep barriers won't work; 3-D gravel seems to work (if assuming you have the space); overall effectiveness of barriers is variable based on soil type, tree species and "other environmental conditions".
