• Remediation & repair
• Tree root barriers

Tree root barriers for subsidence remediation

Trees and large shrubs require substantial amounts of water which is collected via their root networks. As a result of growth or the need to find more moisture, this root network can extend many metres from the trunk of a tree and can grow under the foundations of buildings and walls.

This can cause subsidence on properties, particularly properties built on reactive clay soils. As moisture is extracted from the soil by the roots the clay ‘shrinks’. If clay shrinkage occurs beneath the foundations of the building, this can induce subsidence on the property.

A common solution is to remove the tree. However, due to technical and legal reasons this is not always an option. A root barrier will allow trees and other vegetation to remain whilst ensuring that they will not have an impact upon an adjacent property.

Benefits of a tree root barrier:

• Quick Installation
• Minimal Disruption
• Enables Vegetation to remain (and so facilitates work on trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders)
• Cheaper than underpinning for most cases.
• Can be undertaken during the nesting season (trees cannot be removed if they disturb nesting birds or roosting bats)

A root barrier requires two stages. Firstly, we must sever the roots underground (essentially underground tree surgery). A suitable membrane is then inserted to act as a barrier between the vegetation causing the damage and the property. This will be installed at sufficient depth to ensure that the roots of the vegetation no longer impact on the building and will in restrict root spread in the future. The siting, depth and components of a root barrier are all dependent upon final design requirements. Greenleaf Innovations are happy to assist in this regard and we have fifteen years of experience in designing and installing root barriers. Alternatively we can install a root barrier to your design.

Key Features of a tree root barrier (see figure 1)

Trench – this needs to be correctly positioned and long and deep enough to sever the roots affecting the building. This enables us to undertake the root surgery as per the barrier design.

Membrane – this comprises a specialist geo-membrane for ease of installation, durability and minimum impact at ground surface level.

Fill Material – suitable backfill is emplaced to protect the membrane, minimise settlement problems and provide a sump area to reduce the risk of roots seeking to grow around the barrier.

Figure 1, Tree root barrier trench showing use of geo membrane and fill material (M Kawecki)

Tree root barrier installations with hydro vacuum excavation

As with any landscaping, the installation of the tree root barriers can be disruptive to the site. For many clients it is preferable to use a ‘hydrovac’ as an alternative. This piece of specialist machinery uses water jets and suction to cut a narrow trench for the installation of the barrier. This method will ensure that any disruption from the installation if minimised and that your property is left as tidy as possible during and upon completion of an excavation. See figures 2-4.

Figure 2. A tree root barrier trench created using a mechanical excavator is much more disruptive than using a hydrovac. (M Kawecki)

Figure 3. Root barrier installation using hydro vacuum excavation. This creates less disruption than a mechanical excavator. (M Kawecki)

Figure 4. The tree root barrier has been completed using hydrovac excavation and the disruption to the site is minimal. (M Kawecki)

The advantages of installing a root barrier using hydro vacuum excavation are as follows:

• A 100% safe method of digging. Hydrovac excavation eliminates the risk of strikes on services.
• A neat and minimal trench of roughly 6 inches wide.
• Minimal ground disturbance around trench.
• Allows roots in trench to be cut cleanly whereas tearing damage caused by an excavator could cause infection to spread up the roots.
• Overcomes access issues as the truck can operate about 30 metres away from the excavation.
• Minimal collateral damage to lawns/area where root barrier is being installed due to tracking of vehicle.
• Capable of installation in areas under walls and with awkward shape/lines.