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01What a root barrier is
A trench is cut between the tree and the house, usually several feet deep, and a sheet of heavy plastic, geotextile or similar barrier material is set vertically in it before the soil goes back. Roots that reach the barrier are turned down or aside instead of spreading under the beam.
02When it helps
It is most useful when a large tree sits close to the house and the foundation shows movement on that side, or before that happens on a new slab. It does not lift a slab that has already settled; for that, see slab foundation repair or house leveling.
03Protecting the tree
Cutting roots can stress or destabilize a tree. Texas engineering guidelines for residential foundations note that root barrier installation may affect the vegetation and suggest getting an arborist's input. Ask how far from the trunk the trench will run and which roots will be cut.
04Pairing with drainage
Roots chase water, so a barrier works best alongside steady soil moisture: gutters that discharge away from the house and grading that drains. Our drainage and gutter solutions page covers those fixes.
05Questions to ask
Ask the depth and length of the barrier, the material, whether utilities are located first through 811, how the lawn and beds are restored, and whether an inspection with floor elevations is part of the job so you have a baseline.
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