Does someone know anything about root barriers???

Question

I wat to plant a saucer magnolia tree, and my HOA wants me to install a root barrier? most people don't even know what that is, let alone tell me how to install one. I don't know what size to use for my tree, or the circumference, or depth. a store tried to sell me one that was 18 feet deep. I'm completely lost. By the way the tree is supposed to be a variation of a magnolia tree.

Answer 1

here's your tree and some info about the roots....

http://project.bio.iastate.edu/trees/campustrees/MagnoliaSoulan/MagSoul_text.html

very 'fleshy' roots that spread as far, probably as the crown spread of the tree.....

for a root barrier, which will tend to keep the tree a little smaller, too, hopefully, you're going to have to get into something two ft deep at least.... I'd use galvanized roofing.. the wavy stuff... it can be pop-riveted together on the ends to form a circle, will hold up for a good long time and only needs a well cut trench to install it... in fact, you could install it AS you plant the tree, since you need to cut a hole three times the size of the root ball anyways... just keep going and increase the size of that hole sideways..... I'd go at least five feet out and drop the barrier there.... gives you a ten foot round for the roots and you can then fill that area with mulch, much like the picture in the link......if this tree is to go into a bed, just enclose the bed with the barrier.....it's really a better plant to have in a bed than out in the middle of the lawn... too much lawn fertilizer will upset it.... plus, it needs to be where it can be protected from blooming too early and late frosts.... and where you can pay good attention to its water needs in the first year...

read here....

http://www.monrovia.com/PlantInf.nsf/715018c0a554020088256f1600604920/dddb57ed9ad2cf0c8825684d0071d375!OpenDocument

the links on the left side have much help as to location for planting and helps for getting your tree very happy... note the landscaping idea of planting it in front of dark evergreens!!!... or like the first link, in front of a dark wall!.....

Answer 2

I have no idea what a saucer magnolia tree is but a root barrier is just what it says. It creates a barrier to stop roots from spreading. Some are only 30cm or so deep - I dont think much of the low ones as even cooch grass or lawn will move their roots down to get around them.
Ask at your nursery how big the root area is going to be for a fully mature tree/shrub.
Plants grow in different ways, for example the River Gums send down a tap root which may be as deep as the tree is high. Orange trees stick mainly to the surface. Petunias dont really get below 20 cm. You need to know what yours will do.
Can you plant it in a pot. It would be a lot safer if it is going to spread large roots.
How much land do you have? If you have acres, Im sure there is a spot for it. If it is a regular house block you may have trouble in the years to come with it lifting paths, damaging the foundation of your house, sunblocking for lawn and other plants. Does it do well with competition from other plants.
Talk to someone that sells plants, not to a hardware shop. Many shops have a horticulturalist, with a great stack of books. Ask.
If in doubt, dont plant it.

Answer 3

I personally don't care for any kind of "root barriers" or landscaping cloth, seems like over time they cause more trouble than they are worth. A saucer magnolia, or magnolia soulangeana, by the way, is mostly a southern tree (zone 6 or higher), a small ornamental with huge pink and white blooms in early spring--they set their blooms on in the fall and bloom before the leaves, and sometimes a late spring freeze will get the buds and brown them out before they get a chance to bloom. I live in zone 6B and I can count on seeing mine bloom maybe once out of every three years, depending on the weather.This year it bloomed beautifully before the April deep freeze set in. It has been here for 50 years at least, very close to the house, never have had a root problem nor does it interfere with surrounding plants. Well worth planting.