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At ArbCert, we provide professional root barrier installation to manage and redirect invasive tree roots. Root barriers protect surrounding structures, pathways, driveways, retaining walls, pools, and underground services from costly damage. A properly designed tree root barrier system controls the direction of root growth without compromising tree health.
If you are asking, “Do root barriers really work?” the answer is yes, provided they are installed correctly and in the right context. Barriers are especially effective in urban landscapes where space is limited and infrastructure protection is essential. For more complex sites, we also offer chemical root barrier options, using safe and effective methods that meet environmental and industry standards.
Whether you are managing a residential property, commercial site, or development project, ArbCert’s AQF Level 5 consulting arborists will assess your needs and deliver a tailored root management solution.
A root barrier system is a physical solution designed to redirect tree roots away from structures, protecting buildings, driveways, retaining walls, pools, and synthetic turf. These systems work by guiding roots downward and away from sensitive areas while allowing the tree to remain stable and healthy.
Root barriers are typically installed by digging a narrow trench and inserting a subsurface barrier made from durable polyurethane or reinforced plastic. This proven method is widely accepted for managing root growth in urban and developed environments. It is particularly effective near construction zones, landscaped surfaces, and infrastructure where uncontrolled root spread can cause structural damage or expensive repairs.
At ArbCert, our team ensures each installation is tailored to your site conditions and fully compliant with best-practice arboricultural standards.
Understanding the location and extent of a tree’s root system is essential when planning construction, landscaping, or resolving conflicts between trees and infrastructure. ArbCert offers professional root investigation and mapping services to accurately determine root location, depth, and spread.
We use a range of techniques suited to site conditions, including air spading and careful hand excavation. Air spading is a non-destructive method that uses compressed air to expose roots safely without causing tree damage, making it ideal for sensitive areas or high-value trees.
Our AQF Level 5 consulting arborists provide detailed root zone mapping to guide design decisions, support development applications, and ensure compliance with AS 4970-2025 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites.
We proudly service Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, and Newcastle. Contact ArbCert today to schedule your inspection or root mapping assessment and protect both your trees and infrastructure.
Contact UsMost root barriers are installed between 600mm and 1.2m deep, depending on the species, soil type, and nearby infrastructure. The depth ensures roots are redirected downward and away from structures without harming the tree’s stability.
Tree roots cannot be stopped from growing entirely, but they can be managed and redirected. Root barriers guide roots away from structures, while arborists may also recommend selective root pruning, soil improvement, or monitoring to balance tree health with infrastructure protection.
A root barrier system helps protect driveways, foundations, retaining walls, pipes, and landscaped surfaces from costly damage caused by invasive roots. It allows the tree to remain in place while preventing conflict with surrounding structures, making it a practical alternative to tree removal.
Root barriers are commonly used by homeowners, developers, councils, schools, and commercial property managers where trees are growing close to built structures. They are especially important in urban areas where space is limited and infrastructure protection is a priority.
ArbCert’s AQF Level 5 consulting arborists first assess the tree and site conditions to confirm suitability. A narrow trench is then carefully excavated, and a durable barrier is installed at the correct depth and alignment. The process is designed to be safe, efficient, and compliant with best-practice arboricultural standards.
Root investigation is the process of locating and mapping tree roots to determine their depth, spread, and potential conflicts with infrastructure. At ArbCert, we use air spading and hand excavation to expose roots safely without causing tree damage. The results are documented in a report that supports development applications, design decisions, and compliance with AS 4970-2025.
Our team includes AQF Level 5 and AQF Level 8 consulting arborists with extensive industry experience. We bring a high level of technical knowledge to every assessment, ensuring our advice is credible, defensible, and aligned with best practice.
We deliver clear, accurate reports that meet council planning requirements and Australian Standards. From early-stage assessments to detailed impact reports, our work supports confident, informed decision-making.
As a small team, we value strong working relationships and direct communication. You’ll work with experienced arborists who understand your project and are committed to providing reliable, practical guidance every step of the way.
