Root protection and guidance direct tree roots in the right direction during growth.

For instance, root barriers are built in along roads or cycle paths to prevent root pressure. The use of root protection and guidance in infrastructure prevents root problems. Depending on the type of application, it is important to choose the right system to prevent root nuisance: root guidance or root protection?

• Tree Root Guide root guidance (TRG)
• RootBlock root protection
• RootControl root protection

The TRG (Tree Root Guide) developed by GreenMax is used both for new plantings and after cutting down roots (renovation) to prevent root nuisance in the built environment.

In addition, the system ensures that the beauty and value of mature trees is preserved. It also minimises the repair and liability costs of damaged road surfaces and the risk of tripping.

Guide ribs for better anchoring of trees

Young tree roots grow in a horizontal direction and collide with the specially profiled dividing wall. The guide ribs direct the roots vertically downwards. When they arrive at the bottom, the roots can continue to grow horizontally, anchoring the tree firmly in the ground and preventing damage to the road surface. This also always the tree to absorb water and nutrients better. Without the guide ribs, the roots would continue to circulate along the wall, which would suffocate the tree (flowerpot effect) and give it no stability. The guideline is to use TRG panels at a distance of less than 2 m¹ from the tree. However, this depends on the diameter of the trunk of the mature tree.

Root barriers are used to create a root-free zone, for example to protect underground utilities from root growth. Root protection can only be used if the available root space is sufficient. As a rule of thumb, the distance between the root protection wall and the tree must be at least 2 m¹.

Root protection can also be applied in the infrastructure by machine installation. This method is extremely efficient and timesaving. GreenMax cooperates with a partner who takes care of mechanical installation.