ᐅ Risk to Water and Drainage Pipes from Tree and Shrub Roots
Created on: 9 Feb 2015 18:35
W
willWohnen
Hello,
I have read that tree roots can cause significant damage to water or sewage pipes. However, these issues mostly come from older houses, where the pipes were often made of clay. The problem usually starts when small leaks allow water to escape, attracting roots that then grow toward the source.
Additional note: not only trees are potentially "dangerous," but also shrubs like lilac or butterfly bush.
In our case, the utility lines—electricity, internet, water, sewage—unfortunately run diagonally across the front yard. I would like to plant bushes or trees there. Our water pipes are made of plastic.
Apparently, root barriers made from sufficiently thick membranes can be installed. However, most of our lines have already been backfilled. I don’t want to make a mountain out of a molehill or spend money unnecessarily to dig everything up and install membranes (especially since I don’t know how to do that professionally). But I would like to plant my front yard with peace of mind and avoid having to excavate everything in 15 years.
It’s a complex topic. I am hoping for the following advice:
o Who has real, concrete experience with root-related utility line problems?
o Who has heard about this issue during their home and garden construction and possibly taken measures against it?
o Where could I turn to—what professional group, authority, or website has experienced experts on this matter?
Thanks and best regards
I have read that tree roots can cause significant damage to water or sewage pipes. However, these issues mostly come from older houses, where the pipes were often made of clay. The problem usually starts when small leaks allow water to escape, attracting roots that then grow toward the source.
Additional note: not only trees are potentially "dangerous," but also shrubs like lilac or butterfly bush.
In our case, the utility lines—electricity, internet, water, sewage—unfortunately run diagonally across the front yard. I would like to plant bushes or trees there. Our water pipes are made of plastic.
Apparently, root barriers made from sufficiently thick membranes can be installed. However, most of our lines have already been backfilled. I don’t want to make a mountain out of a molehill or spend money unnecessarily to dig everything up and install membranes (especially since I don’t know how to do that professionally). But I would like to plant my front yard with peace of mind and avoid having to excavate everything in 15 years.
It’s a complex topic. I am hoping for the following advice:
o Who has real, concrete experience with root-related utility line problems?
o Who has heard about this issue during their home and garden construction and possibly taken measures against it?
o Where could I turn to—what professional group, authority, or website has experienced experts on this matter?
Thanks and best regards
M
MünchnerKindl1 May 2015 18:22And I was just thinking – maybe you don’t like lobelias. I find they’re not too overwhelming, fit in anywhere, and bloom all summer long. If you look around a bit – at discount stores, for example – you can often get 10 plants for €1.99, they’re not very large but you can plant 3 or 4 together.
EveundGerd1 May 2015 18:32I like them and have often planted them in containers. At the moment, I am simply feeling creatively tired.
M
MünchnerKindl1 May 2015 18:38I understand that well. However, the garden is very important to me, so I enjoy working on it and also appreciate suggestions – see Ilex.
EveundGerd1 May 2015 22:36Thank you very much. I always appreciate ideas and suggestions, not only regarding the garden area.
I hope we can move in within two months. I have managed and coordinated about 80% of the house construction and interior work without my partner, as he was ill for a long time and often in the hospital.
I am glad that our site manager is always available and that the contractors are doing good work.
The outdoor area is secondary for now; the main thing is for the outbuildings to be completed soon so the landscaping company can return to start paving.
I already have a new parasol and the grill is ready as well.
I hope we can move in within two months. I have managed and coordinated about 80% of the house construction and interior work without my partner, as he was ill for a long time and often in the hospital.
I am glad that our site manager is always available and that the contractors are doing good work.
The outdoor area is secondary for now; the main thing is for the outbuildings to be completed soon so the landscaping company can return to start paving.
I already have a new parasol and the grill is ready as well.
M
MünchnerKindl2 May 2015 16:13The grill is important
My husband takes care of the technical aspects, but I am responsible for the "feel-good atmosphere."
It will still be a while before we move in.
However, we might install the fence before moving in, so we can plant the shrubs and hedges fairly quickly. Today, I found out that the butterfly bush has shallow roots. This will help us loosen up the front hedge a bit.
My husband takes care of the technical aspects, but I am responsible for the "feel-good atmosphere."
It will still be a while before we move in.
However, we might install the fence before moving in, so we can plant the shrubs and hedges fairly quickly. Today, I found out that the butterfly bush has shallow roots. This will help us loosen up the front hedge a bit.
EveundGerd2 May 2015 17:34Sounds good. My two men are building the carport together with our "son-in-law" and a friend of our son. I will upload the pictures to the blog tomorrow. So far, the swearing has been kept to a minimum.