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Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > What size Root Barrier?
 
 


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JCT

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
Hi all,
I've planted a couple of figs against my fenceline and I'm worried that over the years, their roots will grow into my neighbor's yard and impact her sidewalk, which is about ~3' away from the two trees.  I'm looking into several root barrier products, but they come in various sizes, ranging from 12, 18, 24+ inches in depth. I'd rather not have to dig any deeper than I have to, so my question is, what depth of root barrier would be sufficient to protect my neighbor's yard?

One fig is a VdB and the other a Black Mission.  Both were planted this winter and are only about ~3' tall.

Thanks!
Jason
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San Diego, CA
VdB and Black Mission
Wanted: Deanna & Chiappetta
jdsfrance

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
Hi,
12'' is not enough, so I'd use 18''. Keep some 3'' of the barrier above dirt. I have a fig tree that escaped its bottomless pot by passing over the rim ... I was surprised when shoveling around, wondering who the hell made those roots there ...
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Climate from -25°C to + 35°C
Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here
JCT

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Posts: 8
Posted Reply with quote  #3 
JDS,
Thanks for the help!  I'll get some at least that deep.  Doing some other research, these barriers are not cheap.
Jason
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San Diego, CA
VdB and Black Mission
Wanted: Deanna & Chiappetta
jdsfrance

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Hi,
If you keep your trees under 7' you shouldn't have problems. People with trees over 7' get that problem.
You could as well buy an 80 liters trashcan and cut it in 2 height-wise .Then put those half barrels in between the fence and the trees.
That will force the trees to send their roots to your piece of land.
__________________
------------------------
Climate from -25°C to + 35°C
Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here
JCT

Registered:
Posts: 8
Posted Reply with quote  #5 
I was planning on keeping them pruned down, now I definitely will do so.  The trash can idea is great, it will be a lot cheaper to buy one of these and cut to fit.  Thanks!
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San Diego, CA
VdB and Black Mission
Wanted: Deanna & Chiappetta
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