Root Barrier Specifications

These specifications were current at the time of publication but are subject to change at any time without notice. Please confirm the accuracy of these specifications with the manufacturer and/or distributor prior to installation.

PART 1: GENERAL

The work specified in this Section consists of the installation of root barriers, in accordance with these specifications, and in conformity with the lines, grades, dimensions, and notes shown in the plans.

PART 2: MATERIALS

The contractor shall furnish and install tree root barriers as specified. The tree root barriers shall be product (check one):

#RS - 18 ___
#RS - 12 ___
#RS - 24 ___
#RS - 36 ___
#RS - 48 ___

...as manufactured by Root Solutions, 40 Belvedere Street, Suite 2, San Rafael, CA 94901 (800-554-0914), or approved equal.  The root control barrier shall be an injection molded or extruded modular component made of high density polypropylene or polyethylene plastic.  Panels shall measure 24" in width by _________ inches in depth with a mean thickness of 0.08". Plastic shall be recyclable and contain ultra-violet inhibitors.

Each panel shall have:

Not less than four raised ribs protruding 1/2" from the face of the panel and running from top to bottom thereof.  Each rib or root guide will have an anit-compaction cap at its tip, perpendicular to the rib, parallel to the face of the barrier and running the length of the rib thereby forming root nurturing channels.  The distance between the guides shall not exceed 6".

Each panel shall have an integral male/female sliding lock, the male down the length of one side and the female down the length of the other.

The basic properties of the material shall be:

PART 3: EXECUTION

1. The contractor shall install the tree root barriers with the number of panels and in the manner shown on the drawings.  It is important that the root the vertical root deflecting ribs face towards the root ball. The top of the panel shall be 1/2" above the finish grade. Panels shall be connected by sliding the male end on each panel into the female connector on the next panel to form either a circle around the root ball or a linear barrier along adjacent hardscape, whichever is specified.

2. Excavation and soil preparation shall be as specified in the drawings.

3. In the case of surround style planting, the excavation shall be backfilled outside the barrier planter to a width of at least 4" with 3/4" or 1-1/2" gravel or crushed rock. This is not necessary for linear applications.

WARRANTY

ROOT GUIDES are at best a common sense attempt to prevent or mitigate tree root damage to hardscape. While tests show that proper use and installation of ROOT GUIDES produces deep root growth, trees are living things and subject to so many variable influences upon their development that rate and pattern of growth cannot be predicted with certainty.  Consequently, while we warranty the product against defects, we are unable to guarantee the growing pattern of each tree or the roots thereof.