Root growth around barriers

(Click on photographs for more information-suggest beginning at 1)

Barriers of various types have been designed to deflect roots. They are typically installed vertically in the soil with the intent of directing roots to grow deeper into the soil, or to grow in another direction. They are made from plastic or fabric, sometimes impregnated with chemical herbicides.

There are about 6 published studies on these devices. Roots are deflected vertically or down under the barriers and either grow back up to the soil surface (in poorly drained soil) or may remain at deeper soil depths (in better drained soils) for several feet. Click here for research abstract.