As a homeowner, you understand and appreciate the beauty and benefits that trees bring to your landscape. However, sometimes tree roots present challenges for you, especially when they break into your property, damage structures, or threaten underground utilities. One of the best solutions for this problem is to install a root barrier. This guide will tell you all about the importance of root barrier installation, and how they may be of use in tandem with storm damage clean-up services.
Understanding Root Barriers
What is a Root Barrier?
A root barrier is simply a physical underground structure meant to divert tree roots from under another property. Made from plastic and metal, among other materials, root barriers can be installed to prevent tree roots from obstructing foundation walls and foundations, sidewalks, driveways, and utility lines. Controlling where your tree roots grow keeps you from suffering potential damage to your property while giving your trees the protection they deserve.
Why You Need Root Barriers
- Structure Protection: Tree roots may undermine the structure, causing cracks and structural damage to foundations. Root barrier helps re-route roots away from your house, garage, or any other buildings.
- Damage Prevention of Pavement: Roots grow in all directions causing the destruction of driveways, walkways, and patios. Installing a root barrier saves you from costly repairs and maintains the very aesthetic features of your outdoor space.
- Protecting Utilities: Roots can grow into sewer lines, water pipes, and electrical conduits, causing blockages or outages. A root barrier decreases the possibility of roots causing such problems.
- Promotion of Healthy Growth: The control of root growth fosters a healthier growth of the tree. A root barrier, when applied correctly, allows the tree to grow without endangering surrounding structures.
Installation of Root Barriers
1. Assessment and Planning
Before installing, make an assessment of your site and decide where you want to put the barrier according to the root zone. Also, choose which type of tree has a vigorous growth in the root system, the area of the structures, and the other thing you need to protect. Consult a professional with expertise in landscaping or a tree service.
2. Material Choice
Root Barriers are also made up of many materials and thicknesses. Some of the common Root Barriers are:
- Plastic Barriers: Light in weight and easy to install, they are excellent for shallow-rooted trees.
- Metal Barriers: More durable and better for bigger trees, metal barriers can help take root pressure considerably.
- Fabric Barriers: They allow water and nutrients to filter through while preventing root penetration.
Choose a material that best suits your needs and kind of tree species on your property.
3. Installation Steps
Digging the Trench: A trench must be dug where you will put the barrier. The trench must be deep to accommodate the barrier and must go below the root zone of the tree.
- Putting In the Barrier: Install the barrier in the trench, with it being up right and at least 3 inches above ground to prevent roots from crossing over the top.
- Backfilling: Backfill the trench with soil in a gentle manner. The barrier should stand upright and situated correctly. Compact the soil to reduce settling.
- Monitoring: Monitor the area after installation to ascertain that the barrier works as it should and tree roots are not breaching the barrier.
Storm Damage Clean-Up Services and Root Barriers
Why Professional Clean-Up is Vital
Fallen branches, uprooted trees, and similar storm damages can be caused by severe weather. After a storm has passed, you will probably see your property littered with debris making it difficult to assess the health of your trees or the condition of your landscape. Here is where storm damage clean-up services become super important.
Benefits of Storm Damage and Cleanup Services
- Immediate Response: Professional cleanup organizations can quickly clean up the debris and assess damage caused by the fall of trees/branches or destruction.
- Comprehensive Assessment: After clearances from the storm, professionals can determine if root barriers are required for trees that may have been disturbed or vulnerable to causes of damage in the future.
- Preventive Actions: Installing root barriers may also serve as a preventive measure after storm clean-up operations. If your place has lately been affected by storm damage, it may be appropriate to inspect the root systems of your trees and determine how prone they are to becoming problematic.
Costs of Installation of a Root Barrier
As part of your root barrier installation plan, you have to account for the costs involved. The following factors may affect the cost of a root barrier installation:
- Material: Various materials are available in prices differing from one another. For instance, the metal barriers are costlier than plastic ones.
- Area Size and Length: The greater length or space means more barrier needed. This increases the price according to how many are demanded.
- Professional Installation: They can be installed on one's own, but hiring professionals ensures their correct installation for maximum effect, thus charging initially and reducing expenses later on.
The quotations from several service providers will assist in your decision on the best value in installing your root barrier.
Conclusion
Several practical benefits characterize the use of a root barrier to protect your property from damage that may be caused by tree roots. Through landscape assessment, choosing the right materials, and acquiring professional help with its installation, your house and its environs will be safe and well protected.
Another way you can make strength for your property against any bad weather is through storm damage clean-up services combined with root barrier installation. With such proactive measures, the benefits of trees are enjoyed without worrying about possible damage for your house or yard. Make an informed choice, and outdoor spaces will thrive for years to come!
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