Best way(s) to keep tree roots from growing into underground Sprinkler?

Question

One of my underground sprinkler heads are located near a tree...recently i noticed that this sprinkler had problems popping up and most clearly when trying to go down...the reason being that the tree's roots have grown into the sprinklers path and is "squeezing" the sprinklers container case making the sprinkler have a hard time surfacing/hiding....

Is there a nice simple way of keeping the tree's root from growing in this area (ie, have its roots grow around it)...

I was thinking of filling the area around the sprinkler with large rocks (or even very small ones) would that work???

Answer 1

Ain`t nothing simple that I know of.

Whatever you do, you`ll Still have to dig down and cut the offending roots away from the sprinkler heads. But THEN you can put up a root barrier around the heads themselves.
I`d go a foot or two below where the heads are attached.

A cheap barrier can be made from a 4 x 8 sheet of corrugated fiberglass. The kind they use on the tops of carports etc.

Don`t worry about the roots growing Into your sprinkler pipes.
PVC is the Best root barrier there is.
The roots grow to where the water is. ESP if the tree is`nt gettting enough.
Unless you have a leak in one/some, you have no worries.

DON`T use copper. Roots hate it alright but Grass has roots too (:>
And `sides, it`s not environmentally cool.

Good Luck with them!

RT

Answer 2

Putting rocks around it might help a little but the tree is still going to grow. You can dig through the soil to the problem root and cut it out. This shouldn't hurt the tree at all.

Answer 3

Wrap the pipe with copper wire. Tree roots do not like copper and will grow away from it. They do sell special copper pellets to put down the toilet for the same purpose when roots get into sewer drains. You can find it at Orchard supply or any hardware store.

Answer 4

First of all answer one is correct in that the tree is going to grow where it wants to go.

Sprinkler pvc might be thin wall and subject to damage, but why not just accomodate the tree and modify not only the sprinkler plumbing but relocate the head?

Pvc pipe cutter (CHEAP), add tubing, elbows, flex tubing if that works, use PVC cement, bury the relocated head and every blade of grass will be just as happy.