Frisco Foundation Repair Co. connects homeowners who need root barrier installation in Frisco, TX with an independent local company that can keep tree roots from drying out the soil under the slab.
Many Frisco yards were planted when the houses were built, and those trees are growing up now. Shade trees planted close to the house look fine at first, but as their roots spread, they start pulling water from the clay under the slab.
Why Roots Matter on Clay
Clay shrinks as it dries. A growing tree near the house draws moisture from the soil around it, most heavily in hot, dry summers. The part of the slab nearest the tree can drop as the soil beneath it shrinks, which shows up as cracks and sticking doors on that side.
What a Root Barrier Does
A root barrier is a vertical sheet set in a narrow trench between the tree and the foundation. It steers roots down and away from the soil under the slab. It is not meant to kill the tree.
Installation
- Utilities are located before any digging.
- A narrow trench is dug between the tree and the house.
- Roots crossing the trench are cut cleanly.
- The barrier is set in the trench, and soil is backfilled and compacted.
Good Times to Install One
- When a young tree is growing near the house, before its roots reach the slab
- As part of a foundation repair where a tree contributed to movement
- When planning new landscaping close to the house
Protecting the Tree
Ask how far from the trunk the trench will run. Cutting large roots stresses a tree, so for a valuable tree, consider an arborist's opinion on placement.
Trees in Frisco Yards
Many subdivision yards got their trees when the houses were built, and some were planted within a few feet of the house. Live oaks, cedar elms and other common shade trees can spread roots well beyond their canopy. If a tree in your yard is growing toward the slab, a barrier installed while the roots are still small is far less disruptive than one installed after they have reached under the house. Check your HOA's rules before removing or relocating a required tree.
Barrier Material and Depth
Barriers are usually made of heavy plastic sheeting set in a narrow trench between the tree and the house. The right depth depends on how deep that tree's roots run in your soil. Ask what material and depth the company plans, and why.
Common questions
My trees are young. Do I need a root barrier yet?
Installing early, before roots reach the slab, means cutting fewer and smaller roots. Ask the inspector whether your trees are close enough to matter.
Will a root barrier hurt my HOA landscaping?
The trench is narrow, but plants along its path may be disturbed. Check HOA rules and ask how the crew will restore beds.
How deep is a root barrier?
Depth varies with the tree and soil; it is usually several feet. Ask the contractor what they plan and why.
Does a root barrier replace watering?
No. Steady soil moisture during droughts still matters. Many homeowners use both.
Can a root barrier fix my foundation?
It helps stop further movement caused by roots. A foundation that has already moved may also need piers.
Can a root barrier go in after a tree is mature?
Yes, though more and larger roots will be cut. Ask about the tree's health and placement.