Some plants develop rhizomes that can spread uncontrollably. So-called root barriers or rhizome barriers can prevent this.
The heart of every hobby gardener beats when it blooms and thrives in the garden. However, some plants do it a bit exuberantly and crowd out their plant neighbors with their root suckers. The plants not only multiply seemingly uncontrollably in the garden, they can also dig out paving slabs and take over the entire garden. A root barrier puts vigorous plants in their place. If root barriers are installed immediately when planting, you save yourself trouble and effort. Find out below why you should not do without a root barrier, what it does and how to install it in a few simple steps.
What exactly is a root barrier?
Root barriers prevent plants from spreading uncontrollably. Simply put, the roots are being held captive in a confined space. Root is not always the correct expression. Some plants do not form conventional roots but rhizomes. These sprouts ensure that certain plants spread quickly and uncontrollably underground. In this context, one often speaks of rhizome barriers. However, both terms are identical.
By the way: Whoever buys ginger bulbs in the trade is holding nothing but a rhizome in their hands.
What are root barriers made of and what do they look like?
The function of root barriers is not obvious at first glance, as they are sold in roll form. The hobby gardener can determine the dimensions himself and cut the foils accordingly. Root barriers are made of plastic. Polyethylene with a particularly high density is preferably used. The foil, which is about two millimeters thick, can withstand even strong plants without any problems. Pay attention to the label polyethylene (HDPE). Root barriers made of polypropylene (PP) are also common.
Every now and then the hobby gardener helps himself and uses plastic or metal tubs, which are embedded in the ground before the plant is planted there. JustRoot barriers made from the remains of pond liner, roofing felt or other tarpaulins can be recommended with reservations. A delicate lily of the valley may be put in its place by this, but a strong bamboo probably never in the long run.
It will cost you a few drops of sweat when you put concrete slabs in the ground as a root barrier. Polyethylene foils are much easier to install and are therefore always a better choice.
Alternatives welcome?
Smaller plants can also use a disused mortar bucket as a root barrier. But do not use metal buckets, they could rust. Conventional roof foil is also suitable for some ornamental grasses or sea buckthorn bushes. Alternatively, vigorous raspberries can also be bordered with root fleece.
How does a root barrier work?
Root barriers must have a number of properties in order to effectively stop the rhizomes.
Important properties are:
- Strength
- Frostproof
- Sunlight Sensitivity
- safe from rodent bites
- free from harmful substances
Strength is particularly important. The root barrier must effectively withstand roots and rhizomes and must not be penetrated by the shoots. Even in severe frosts, the root barrier must not break or leak. The frost develops quite a bit of power in the ground. Root barriers should also be created above ground. Therefore, the material must be resistant to exposure to sunlight. There is life in the soil too. Therefore, the material must not be chewed by mice or moles. It is also important to prevent the plants from spreading, but not to unnecessarily pollute the soil with pollutants. Therefore, make sure that the product is free of harmful substances when you buy it.
Which plants should be root blocked?
Now you might be wondering which plants need a root barrier when walking around your garden. Below you will find an overview of some plants that should be equipped with a root barrier.
| Plant | Explanation |
| Bamboo | Bamboo grows particularly quickly and its rhizomes are said to burst even ceramics. Garden bamboo alone does not need a root barrier. You can keep its growth in check with concrete borders or regularly cut off the roots. |
| Vinegare | Ocean trees are undemanding and attractive. vinegar treesare, however, poisonous in all their parts and have an extensive root system. Root barriers or keeping buckets are ideal. Root barriers should be used at least 40 centimeters deep. |
| Mint | Mint is particularly popular as an herb. Anyone who puts a small plant in their garden will soon find themselves surrounded by a sea of mint. Mint wanders through the entire garden without a root barrier The root barrier should rise about four inches above the ground to also prevent aboveground spread. |
| Raspberry | Raspberries find many lovers and should not be missing in any kitchen garden. However, the hobby gardener should consider that the sweet little fruits develop rhizomes very quickly and thus take over the garden. Even if the raspberry is considered a shallow root, the root barrier should be set at least 40 centimeters deep. |
Install root lock - how to proceed
The creation of the root barrier should already be considered when planning the plant. Every plant needs a certain amount of space to spread and develop well. If the roots are too constricted, the plant cannot develop and will wither.
» Tip: Root barriers should always be planned generously. If the plant feels constrained, it will not develop as desired.
Taking the example of the growth-friendly bamboo, this should have an area of about eight square meters. Generous planning ensures vigorous plants. This also includes the depth of the planting hole. This should measure about 80 centimeters. There should be no stones within the root barrier. These could cause tears in the film if they are pushed out by the growing plant. The root barrier should not only run underground, but also protrude a few centimeters from the ground. This prevents the roots from spreading over the edge of the root barrier.
The planting hole should narrow towards the bottom. This automatically restricts root growth and the plant grows bushier and stronger towards the top instead of focusing all of its energy on developing the roots.
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Note the location
It is not uncommon for various ornamental grasses or bamboo to be planted as a hedge. This sure has itsAdvantages, since they are fast-growing plants. There are a few things to consider when installing the root barrier. The roots should not penetrate into the neighbor's garden or dig up slabs. Particularly aggressive plants can even attack neighboring buildings or the sewage system with their rhizomes. The root barrier must be attached very carefully so that this can be reliably ruled out.
Laying the root barrier correctly - step by step
- Get a root barrier (here sold by the metre)
- Set Location
- Measure Area
- Dig up the ground
- Insert root lock
- Fix root lock at the ends
First find the right location for your plant. Determine which space you want to give it and measure the area accordingly. Proceed as generously as possible so that the plant develops vigorously and is not constricted. After the soil has been excavated, the root barrier is used. This should form a ring that completely encloses the hole in the ground. The end is to be secured with a rail made of aluminum or stainless steel. This is screwed to the foil. For this it is necessary to drill holes in the root barrier. Alternatively, the root barrier can also be welded.
Place the root barrier above ground. The foil should protrude five to ten centimeters from the ground. The area above ground must be checked regularly. Remove visible rhizomes there.