Melvin Waldron, CGCS said: Andy Jorgensen said: Dr. Ed Gilman at the University of Florida has done all kinds of studies on different types of barriers to stop root encroachment. Anything and everything from the urban legends like tar paper, to those on the market commercially to even concrete walls. What he found was that 1)cutting the root makes it branch out and grow more, and 2) no matter what you do, the root will eventually go through, under, over or around the barrier. Best thing to do is to remove the tree. Second best thing you can do is get on a frequent pruning program.
The machine that I have seen that works the best and has virtually no cleanup, with the exception of packing back down the mound, is a vibratory plow. They'll slice through the roots without expelling any dirt. All that is left behind is a high spot where the trench ran which can be smoothed back down very easily by driving a tractor tire over it.
Andy, Just wondering when you mean pruning program are you talking about root pruning? Wasn't sure if tree pruning would be a help as well.
Thanks,
Mel
I meant a root pruning program. Which means on a frequent basis. Not one and done. However, Dr. Gilman also recommends canopy pruning as well, but not sure how feasible that would be on a regular basis with large trees.
I was fortunate to attend the Great Southern tree Conference a few years back in which root pruning was discussed heavily. We also saw the results of the lengthy study that has taken place over the past several years in regards to the different barriers. Yes, some worked better than others. But, in the end, as I mentioned, the roots eventually go under, over or around the barrier. It was cool seeing the excavated sites and how the roots interacted with the barriers. Definitely taught me something.