Tree roots might be out of sight, but they shouldn't be out of mind. While mature trees add beauty and value to properties, their root systems can cause serious problems if left unchecked—especially when they begin encroaching on structures like walls, driveways, and underground utilities.

This week, we were called in to address exactly that issue—a growing concern that many property owners face but often overlook until damage has already occurred.

What Are Root Barriers?

Root barriers are specialised physical barriers designed to manage and redirect tree root growth away from vulnerable structures, utilities, and hardscapes. Think of them as underground shields that create boundaries for root systems without harming the tree itself.

How Root Barriers Work

Root barriers function through several key mechanisms:

Physical Obstruction: The barrier creates an impenetrable wall that roots cannot penetrate.
Depth Deflection: When roots encounter the barrier, they're forced to grow downward rather than horizontally toward structures.
Growth Redirection: The barrier guides roots to grow in safer directions, away from vulnerable areas.
Moisture Control: Some advanced barriers help manage soil moisture levels on either side of the installation.

Unlike complete root removal (which can destabilise or kill trees), barriers allow trees to maintain healthy root systems while protecting property—a win-win solution for tree preservation and infrastructure protection.

Common Problems Caused by Invasive Tree Roots

When tree roots encounter obstacles like foundations or pipes, they don't stop growing—they adapt. This persistence can lead to several serious issues:

Structural Damage: Roots can exert tremendous pressure as they grow, lifting and cracking concrete slabs, tilting boundary walls, and even compromising building foundations. This process happens gradually but relentlessly, with repair costs often running into thousands of pounds.

Plumbing Problems: Underground pipes, especially older clay or concrete ones, present attractive targets for tree roots seeking moisture. Even tiny cracks or joints can be infiltrated, eventually leading to blockages, leaks, or complete pipe failures that require expensive emergency repairs.

Pavement Upheaval: Driveways, patios, and sidewalks are particularly vulnerable to root damage due to their shallow depth. The lifting and cracking of these surfaces creates not only aesthetic problems but also potential tripping hazards and liability concerns.

Case Study: This Week's Project in Coventry

This week, our team tackled a job in Coventry, where an oak tree's roots were creeping a little too close to a nearby wall. Oak trees are known for their extensive root systems, with mature specimens potentially developing roots that spread 50 feet or more from the trunk.

To protect the structure while preserving this valuable tree, we installed a 600mm high root barrier designed to safely divert root growth without harming the tree. Armed with our Valtra tractor and trusty mini digger, the job was done cleanly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to the property.

What made this solution particularly effective was

The strategic placement of the barrier between the tree's root system and the vulnerable wall
The appropriate depth of installation to intercept spreading surface roots
Professional-grade materials that will provide years of protection
Careful execution that preserved both tree health and soil structure

Mini Digger onsite after digging into the soil to install the root barrier.

Why Root Barriers Matter

Root barriers represent a proactive approach to tree management that offers multiple benefits:

Financial Protection: By preventing damage before it occurs, root barriers help avoid costly repairs to foundations, walls, and underground utilities. Consider that the average foundation repair can cost between £7,500 and £9,500, while a root barrier installation typically costs a fraction of that amount.

Tree Preservation: Mature trees add significant value to properties—both aesthetic and financial. Studies suggest that mature trees can increase property values by 7-19%. Root barriers allow these valuable assets to remain while mitigating their potential drawbacks.

Conflict Prevention: Boundary disputes with neighbours over tree-related issues can quickly become contentious and expensive. Root barriers establish clear boundaries of root zones, helping prevent encroachment issues before they lead to disagreements.

Regulatory Compliance: Many trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or conservation area regulations. Root barriers offer a solution that satisfies both legal requirements for tree protection and practical needs for property maintenance.

Environmental Benefits: By allowing trees to remain in urban and suburban environments, root barriers help maintain the numerous ecological benefits trees provide, including carbon sequestration, air filtration, temperature moderation, and wildlife habitat.

The Valtra arrived at the location of the job.

When Should You Consider a Root Barrier?

Visible surface roots extending towards structures
Cracks appearing in walls, foundations, or paved areas
Uneven lifting of concrete slabs or paving stones
Unexplained plumbing issues, especially recurring blockages
Doors or windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close

Types of Root Barrier Solutions

Not all root barrier solutions are created equal. Depending on your specific situation, several options might be appropriate:

Linear Barriers: These vertical panels are installed in a straight line between trees and structures. They're ideal for protecting specific features like walls or foundations.

Surround Barriers: For new plantings or recently transplanted trees, circular barriers can direct root growth downward rather than outward, creating a more contained root system from the start.

Chemical Barriers: These specialised fabrics or materials are impregnated with growth regulators that deter root development in specific directions without harming the tree.

Deflector Barriers: Rather than stopping roots entirely, these systems guide roots away from sensitive areas while allowing them to continue growing in safer directions.

The Installation Process

Professional root barrier installation typically follows these steps:

Site Assessment: An arborist evaluates the tree species, age, health, and root system extent to determine the appropriate barrier type and placement.
Planning and Preparation: Underground utilities are identified and marked to avoid damage during excavation.
Trench Excavation: Using specialised equipment like our mini digger, a trench is carefully created at the appropriate distance from both the tree and the structure.
Barrier Placement: High-quality barrier material is positioned vertically in the trench, with particular attention to depth and joint sealing.
Backfilling: The trench is refilled with appropriate material that allows water percolation while maintaining barrier integrity.
Site Restoration: The surface is returned to its original condition with minimal disruption to landscaping.

For most residential properties, this process can be completed in 1-2 days, depending on the length of barrier required and site conditions. Our Coventry project demonstrated how efficiently this work can be completed with the right equipment and expertise.

The Beechwood Approach

At Beechwood Tree and Landscapes, we take root issues seriously—balancing tree health with property protection.

We begin with a thorough evaluation of both the tree and the potentially affected structures, looking not just at current issues but also at potential future developments. No two tree situations are identical. We tailor our root management strategies to the specific tree species, soil conditions, and structural concerns of each property.

We come prepared with specialised machinery like our Valtra tractor and mini digger, ensuring efficient execution with minimal site disruption. Our experienced team ensures that root barrier installation causes minimal disruption to your property and the tree's health.

After installation, we provide guidance on monitoring both tree health and barrier effectiveness, with follow-up assessments available as needed. If you're noticing signs of root problems, we can assess the situation and recommend the most effective solution, from root pruning to barrier installation. Our goal is always to preserve healthy trees whenever possible while protecting your property investment.

Conclusion

The hidden danger of tree roots doesn't have to mean choosing between beautiful trees and structural integrity. With proper planning and professional installation of appropriate root barriers, you can enjoy the numerous benefits of mature trees without worrying about the damage their roots might cause.

Our recent project in Coventry demonstrates how relatively simple interventions can provide long-term protection for both natural and built environments. By addressing root issues proactively rather than reactively, property owners can save significant money while preserving the trees that make their outdoor spaces special.

For more information about root barriers or to schedule an assessment of your property's trees, contact our team of certified arborists. We're committed to finding solutions that work for both you and your trees.

What are Root Barriers and How Can They Help