"Honestly, this whole root battle feels like a never-ending learning curve."
Haha, tell me about it... I've tried gravel underneath edging before—didn't notice a huge difference, honestly. But hey, you're already six months in without issues, that's a solid start!
"Haha, tell me about it... I've tried gravel underneath edging before—didn't notice a huge difference, honestly."
Same here. Tried landscape fabric under mulch thinking it'd help—roots laughed at me. Now I just trim back regularly and accept the occasional defeat... nature usually wins anyway.
Yeah, roots can definitely humble you quick. A few years back, I had a client who insisted on using steel edging buried deep—he was convinced it'd stop the roots cold. Well, it did...for about two seasons. After that, we found roots sneaking underneath and around the edges like some kind of subterranean spy network. Nature’s persistent like that.
I've learned over time that sometimes the best you can do is manage rather than defeat. Regular trimming, keeping an eye on things, and accepting that occasional setback seems to be the most realistic approach. Sounds like you're already there though, which honestly puts you ahead of most folks I've worked with. Keep at it—you're doing better than you might think.
Totally agree on the management vs. defeat thing. Have you considered root barriers made from HDPE? I've seen them hold up pretty well, especially if they're installed correctly and deep enough. But even then, it's more of a delay tactic than a permanent fix. Roots always seem to find a way eventually...makes me wonder if anyone's ever really "won" this battle long-term. Regular checks and trimming are definitely key—sounds like you're already on top of that though.
Yeah, you're spot-on about the HDPE barriers. I've seen them used plenty of times, and while they're effective initially, roots have this uncanny knack for finding tiny imperfections or gaps to exploit. Even when installed meticulously, it's usually just a matter of time before they sneak through or around—nature's persistence is impressive.
One thing I've noticed in plumbing jobs is that moisture gradients can actually encourage root growth toward pipes. If there's even a slight leak or condensation buildup, roots sense it and head straight for it. So beyond barriers and trimming, keeping an eye on pipe integrity and moisture control can make a big difference. Also, I've heard some landscapers recommend planting less aggressive-rooted species near underground utilities or foundations as a preventive measure. Not always practical if the trees are already established, but definitely worth considering if you're planning new plantings down the road.
It's definitely an ongoing battle rather than something you permanently "win"...but sounds like you're managing it pretty effectively already.
