This mailer has been provided as an avenue to disperse information pertinent to public agencies and the landscape architecture profession, in hopes of fostering greater understanding and collaboration. Topics address issues that affect the built environment within which we live. |
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TREE ROOT DAMAGE AND ROOT BARRIERS "The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." - Ralph Waldo Emerson" Do root barriers really deflect roots and prevent damage to adjacent infrastructure? I hear this question quite frequently from private clients and from public entities. The question arises because of the exceedingly high costs due to maintaining and repairing damaged infrastructure caused by tree roots. According to McPherson (2002) damage of this nature exceeds $135 million dollars per year. Though this short summary of my findings will not provide any definitive answers it may arm you with information to make your own decision as to the effectiveness of root barrier products. Many studies have been performed to determine root barrier effectiveness. Few of them have actually focused on the direct correlation between root barriers and subsequent concrete damage. Despite much speculation on actual causes of concrete cracking and lifting, available reports show positive results that root barriers aid in root diversion and potential prevention of concrete cracking and lifting. The following bullet points highlight findings and suggested practices related to root barriers. This information is derived from studies referenced at the end of this article: |
The next time you need a Landscape Architect on your project, consider O'Dell Engineering's Landscape Architecture Department. Services include:
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The key to remember is that there are still many studies being performed to assist us in our decisions effecting the urban forest. We can only make decisions based on the most current information available. Literature Cited: Smiley, 2005 -Root Growth Near Vertical Root Barriers. |
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Author: Chad Kennedy, Landscape Architect This informational article provided by O'Dell Engineering - 1165 Scenic Drive, Suite A, Modesto CA 95350 |