[Fine Edge]

Bidding on a new patio where existing Birch roots have grown under existing brick pavers.
Once I remove all pavers, is there anything ( granular or liquid ) that would stunt the root growth or prohibit the root growth in the proposed new patio area.
This Birch looks close to full grown ( 45' tall ) so I'm wondering if these existing 5" - 6" roots are even going to grow that much more.

Thanks for any info.

[Stonehenge]

I'm pretty sure I recall seeing an ad for something like wide, narrow stakes coated with some kind of copper solution that repels roots - a lot of container companies sell plastic pots with the same coating to prevent root girdling in the pot. It was kind of like that pound-in edging you sometimes see homeowners using.

I don't recall what they were called or where to get them, but I'm pretty sure they exist. I know - big help, right?

[Fine Edge]

Stone,
I will run out tomorrow to the ??? store to pick up some ????
I figured there was something out there like that.
I'm going to keep searching and make some calls tomorrow ( not that I didn't appreciate your very informative reply!!!)

[Stonehenge]

Ok, I did your Googling for you:

http://www.deeproot.com/products/pro..._barriers&BL=1
http://www.biobarrier.com/
http://www.hy-tex.co.uk/ht_geo_rb.html
http://www.treemax.com.au/landscape/rootwall.html

[phototropic1]

I'm sure this has been turned over in your discussions with the client. Or maybe it's not feasible for other reasons, but what about a deck?

[Dollar Spot]

Tree roots never stop growing unless the tree is in decline. Most of your fabrics and chemicals will stop or slow down growing points on roots but not affect the existing root as far as diameter growth. What I mean is that the root might not grow further out but it will grow thicker. You see this when roots grow under a walk and reach a barrier like a road. The root can't penetrate the road barrier but grows thick enough to heave the walk.

Copper is a root killer. Put a copper wire in a drain line and you'll never have tree roots in that drain. Most of the root control products for sewer lines are copper based.

The big question is how close is the tree to the proposed patio?

[4seasons]

you have to be very careful when you cut a root that large.
It's a main line for nutrients to go up the tree.

[bricknblock]

check out this site
www.biobarrier.com
at the trade show in nashville, they have a fabric specifically made for this application, releases some type of chemical periodiacally to prevent any type of growth...never used it myself, but sounds like it's worth checking into.

[bricknblock]

sorry, just saw stonehedge beat me to the punch...