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Strengthening our Community Tree Canopy Through Education Module #9: Root Barrier Selection & Installation Laura Sanagorski, Environmental Horticulture Extension Faculty. Strengthening Our Community Tree Canopy 2012 Urban Forestry Series
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Strengthening our Community Tree Canopy Through Education Module #9: Root Barrier Selection & Installation Laura Sanagorski,Environmental Horticulture Extension Faculty
Strengthening Our Community Tree Canopy 2012 Urban Forestry Series This series is a part of a project titled “Strengthening Our Community Tree Canopy Through Education”. This project is made possible by a grant through the 2011 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Florida Forest Service.
Root Barriers – the Need • Installed vertically • Prevent root penetration, redirect growth • Protection of new and existing utilities Photo: UF Laura Sanagorski
Root Barriers – the Need • Tree relocation • Deflecting roots near sidewalks • Large trees planted near foundations Photo: UF Laura Sanagorski
Root Barriers - Types • Chemical • Physical • Two dimensional • Three dimensional • Inhibitors – fabric embedded with herbicide (often trifluralin) • Traps – (woven nylon / copper screen) allow penetration but not enlargement • Deflectors – physical barrier: redirect growth • Coarse gravel
Root Barriers: Configuration Linear – Along Narrow Trench Circular – Around ball of Newly Planted Tree Photo: Root Barriers Brisbane Photo: NDS
Root Barriers - Design • Vertical ribs – deflect roots downward • Locking wings or tabs • Newer barriers have more rugged tops Photo: NDS
Root Barriers - Homemade • Coarse gravel • Tubing • Screen • Fabric Image: Justin Morganroth
Root Barriers – Testing Treatments • Biobarrier – most effective at deflecting roots deeper • DeepRoot – not effective in reducing root growth in top 4” of well-drained or poorly-drained soil • Polyethylene Plastic - not effective in reducing root growth in top 4” of well-drained or poorly-drained soil • Clean gravel- only one effective • No effect on root diameter Photo: Biobarrier Adapted from Gilman, 2006.
Root Barriers - Installation • Recommended to be done by a qualified tree professional • Gilman (2006) recommends installation at deeper than 12”
Strengthening our Community Tree Canopy Through Education Module #9: Root Barrier Selection & Installation Laura Sanagorski,Environmental Horticulture Extension Faculty