Comparison of root barriers installed at two depths for reduction of white mulberry roots in the soil surface

The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine if barriers designed with internal vertical ribs would prevent circling roots within barriers and 2) compare root growth responses to barriers installed at two depths, 30 and 60 cm, for significant reduction of surface root dry mass. [UMN]

“Three circling root barrier products, DeepRoot®, Tree Root Planter®, and Vespro®, were installed at 30- and 60-cm (11.8- and 23.6-in.) depths and evaluated to determine whether 1) internal vertical ribs prevented circling roots and 2) installation at 30 and 60 cm significantly reduced root biomass and diameter in the top 33 cm (13 in.) of soil. After three growing seasons, 56 white mulberry (Morus alba) were excavated and data collected on surface root dry mass, root diameters, and locations. Barriers installed to 30-cm depths did not significantly reduce diameters of roots growing outside the barriers. They did, however, significantly reduce outside surface root dry mass by 31% to 59%. Barriers installed to 60-cm depths reduced surface root dry mass by 85% to 89% and significantly reduced root diameters. Regardless of barrier depth, internal vertical ribs effectively diverted circling roots downward, but more J-rooting was associated with the deeper barriers. Tree growth estimated by measurements of stem diameter, total height, and mean crown width, remained unaffected by treatments.” [Abstract]

[San Francisco, Mar. 5-6, 1998]

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