I get the appeal of just hacking away at the roots, but honestly, I’ve had some close calls with pipes doing that. It’s easy to nick something important if you’re not careful. I actually tried one of those root barrier gels last year—jury’s still out, but at least it felt safer than swinging a shovel near the sewer line. If you go the physical route, maybe mark out where your lines run first... learned that one the hard way.
I’ve always wondered about those root barrier gels—do they actually break down over time, or are we just trading one problem for another? I tried the copper sulfate route once, but felt weird dumping chemicals in the ground, especially with a veggie patch nearby. Marking out the lines is smart, though. I learned the hard way when I hit an old irrigation pipe... water everywhere, and not where I wanted it. Ever tried those physical root barriers you bury? Curious if they’re worth the hassle or just another gimmick.
I tried the copper sulfate route once, but felt weird dumping chemicals in the ground, especially with a veggie patch nearby.
Totally get that—copper sulfate works, but it’s not exactly “garden friendly.” As for those physical root barriers you bury, I’ve put in a few. Here’s my take:
- They’re a pain to install (digging is no joke), but once they’re in, they do the job.
- The plastic ones hold up for years—haven’t seen roots bust through yet.
- Gels? Mixed feelings. Some break down faster than advertised, and then you’re back to square one.
If you’re already digging for repairs, might as well drop in a barrier. Beats dealing with roots every couple of years.
I hear you on the digging—installing those barriers is a workout. I’ve had to do it a couple times for clients, and honestly, the trenching is the worst part. But once they’re in, you can pretty much forget about root issues for a long while. I’ve seen some folks try metal barriers too, but they can rust if you’re not careful. Curious—did you go with the solid plastic sheets or the kind with the little ridges? I’ve noticed the ridged ones seem to redirect roots better, but maybe that’s just me.
I went with the solid sheets the first time around, thinking thicker meant better, but honestly, I wish I'd tried the ridged ones. The roots from my neighbor’s maple still managed to sneak along the edge and pop up where I least expected. I’ve heard the ridges sort of “confuse” the roots and send them downward instead of letting them just slide along the barrier.
Funny thing, a buddy of mine swears by the metal ones, but he’s in a drier climate—guess rust isn’t as big a deal for him. Around here, though, plastic just seems safer in the long run. Have you ever had to dig one up after a few years? I’m curious if the ridged barriers actually hold up better over time or if it’s all marketing hype. Sometimes I wonder if it’s more about how deep you go than the material itself...
