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Root barrier

Serkan Saglam
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When a screen is to be placed more than 2 metres from the tree root, root barrier is advised.

Further than 2 metres from the tree

Root barrier
When a screen is to be placed more than 2 metres from the tree root, root barrier is advised. A root barrier is linear in application and installation ensures that the tree root encounters a barrier. A major difference with root guidance is that root barrier is made of smooth material and therefore contains no vertical ribs. The smooth material ensures that the roots can't get a grip and are forced to grow back.

Lightweight and easy to work with

Our RootBarrier® screens are lightweight and easy to handle, making installation faster and more efficient than HDPE, for example. 

25-year warranty
Due to the high quality of our root barrier products, a 25-year root barrier warranty is given upon purchase, however the lifespan is more than 50 years! In addition, the products can be fully recycled after the end of their service life. 

Water-permeable root barrier

Dupont™ Plantex® Rootprotector is a water-permeable root barrier that can be used both horizontally and vertically to protect pavements, foundations and infrastructure from damage caused by roots.

  • Water-permeable: So it can also be used horizontally under cycle paths, tram tracks and paving.
  • Does not absorb water: As a result it does not freeze in winter and is easy to handle in all weather conditions
  • Easy installation: It is lightweight, easy to cut without fraying.
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Root barrier especially for bamboo

RootBarrier® 420UV is an extra strong, lightweight and flexible root barrier, with a UV resistance of 5 years.This makes it ideal for aggressive roots such as bamboo and reed.

Thanks to the two-sided smooth coating, roots encounter a barrier and damage due to root pressure is prevented. The material is easy to cut without fraying, making installation faster and more efficient than HDPE, for example.

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Mechanical installation, fast and professional

When applying root barrier barriers, it is possible to use the WSF800: a root barrier milling machine for mechanised installation of our root barrier screens.

Next to the roadway, the WSF800 mills a groove about 5 cm wide and up to 80 cm deep. This is the place where the root barrier is mechanically installed. Once the barrier is in place, the resulting gap is filled with the previously milled soil. The entire worksite is then stamped by vibration before being swept up.

Contact us for the possibilities

Frequently asked questions

When do you use root protection and when do you use root guidance?

The fixed rule when making this decision is:

  • Will the screen be placed within 2 meters of the tree? Then choose root guidance.
  • Will the screen be placed further than 2 meters from the tree? Then choose root protection.

A root protection screen cannot be placed too close to a tree. The smooth material allows the roots to grow around it, causing the risk of the "flower pot effect". This means that the tree does not have enough grip in the ground, which could cause it to blow over in a storm. With a root guiding system, the roots are guided downwards with the aid of vertical guiding ribs and this prevents a "flower pot effect" from occurring.

If RootBarrier® 325 is not placed correctly (smooth side not facing the tree roots), how effective is it?

The product will not be effective when places incorrectly. The smooth side of the RootBarrier® 325 prevents the roots from getting a grip and forces them to grow back. If the uncoated side is placed on the side of the tree roots, the roots can start to nestle in the fabric. This will cause irregularities in the fabric which means that the guarantee can no longer be given. If you want to be on the safe side, we recommend the RootBarrier® 360. This root protection screen is provided with a double coating.

Can I use RootBarrier® 325 instead of HDPE, for example?

Yes, the functionality is the same. In addition, our RootBarrier® root barrier is quick and easy to install. It is lighter in weight and easier to cut than HDPE. For example, a roll of HDPE 1mm 25 m x 100 cm weighs 27 kg and a roll of RootBarrier® 325 25 m x 100 cm weighs 8 kg. Thanks to the high quality of the RootBarrier® products, a 25-year guarantee is given on the root-resistant effect upon purchase (according to our guarantee conditions). However, the lifetime is more than 50 years.

What installation depth should the RootBarrier® 420 UV reach when protecting against bamboo?

We recommend a minimum installation depth of 1 meter for the RootBarrier® 420 UV. The exact depth depends on the type of bamboo, the quantity, the type of soil and the groundwater level. If you would like advice on the correct installation depth for your project, please contact our RootBarrier specialists. They will be happy to look at it with you!

Is the answer not listed here and you still have a question? Don't hesitate to ask, we are happy to help you!

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