I’m so glad this excerpt resonated with you! I feel the same, I'd much rather explore the lower-impact options before resorting to anything that risks contaminating the soil (including landscape fabric, which I’ve always found more of a nuisance than a help).
From what I understand of root barrier practices (keeping in mind I’m not a tree expert!) these are typically panels installed vertically in the soil to guide roots away from things like sidewalks. They’re often made from plastic or metal, but I’ve also heard of more natural alternatives like compacted rock.
Another strategy might be to make the area away from the sidewalk (or whatever infrastructure is of concern) more attractive to roots. That could look like mulching heavily, adding compost or biochar, and watering more consistently where you want roots to grow. A bit of coaxing, nature’s way.
Thanks, I appreciate that very practical answer. The reasons people come up to chop down trees are actually bizarre. As a gardener, I've had people want to chop down trees so their solar panels get more sun!
Oh yes! Once upon a time I sold solar panels (among other home energy upgrades), and I had to explain to many homeowners interested in tree removal for that purpose that their AC savings from the shade of their large trees would outweigh the energy savings provided by solar panels... some appreciated that feedback, but others just went to the next company smh.
I love this! Especially the do nothing advice; everything made so much sense.
(Except for injecting foam and epoxy into the ground.) I' m glad I saw no mention of landscape fabric but what is the unspecified root barrier?
I’m so glad this excerpt resonated with you! I feel the same, I'd much rather explore the lower-impact options before resorting to anything that risks contaminating the soil (including landscape fabric, which I’ve always found more of a nuisance than a help).
From what I understand of root barrier practices (keeping in mind I’m not a tree expert!) these are typically panels installed vertically in the soil to guide roots away from things like sidewalks. They’re often made from plastic or metal, but I’ve also heard of more natural alternatives like compacted rock.
Another strategy might be to make the area away from the sidewalk (or whatever infrastructure is of concern) more attractive to roots. That could look like mulching heavily, adding compost or biochar, and watering more consistently where you want roots to grow. A bit of coaxing, nature’s way.
Thanks, I appreciate that very practical answer. The reasons people come up to chop down trees are actually bizarre. As a gardener, I've had people want to chop down trees so their solar panels get more sun!
Oh yes! Once upon a time I sold solar panels (among other home energy upgrades), and I had to explain to many homeowners interested in tree removal for that purpose that their AC savings from the shade of their large trees would outweigh the energy savings provided by solar panels... some appreciated that feedback, but others just went to the next company smh.