Root invasion is the incursion of plant roots with undesirable impacts.
Biological
editWhen the roots of neighboring plants or trees invade the area of other plants there will be decline in the health and eventual wasting of the plant whose space is being invaded.[1] In planted areas, periodical inspection during planting and care can allow for the discovery and removal of invading roots.[2]
Plumbing
editAs plant roots spread in the search for nutrition, they will opportunistically enter irrigation[3] or sewer[4] with resulting line blockage. 5% of sewer line blockage is attributed to root invasion, though reports of line breakage due to the intrusion are rare.[5] Clay and concrete pipes are more likely to be invaded then PVC pipe, with pipe joints being the typical mode of entry for roots.[6]
Structural
editRoads, sidewalks and foundations can all suffer structural issues from tree roots.[7] Several methods of control have been attempted, from barriers to encouraging growth in desirable directs. Selection of plants with root systems that will not conflict with nearby structures is the most effective method of damage control.[8]
Notes
edit- ^ Schmid 2002, p. 33.
- ^ Schmid 2002, p. 34.
- ^ White 2003, p. 168.
- ^ Roberts, Jackson & Smith 2006, p. 395.
- ^ Roberts, Jackson & Smith 2006, p. 395.
- ^ Roberts, Jackson & Smith 2006, p. 396.
- ^ Zahniser, David (February 21, 2008) "City to pass the bucks on sidewalks?" Los Angeles Times
- ^ Roberts, Jackson & Smith 2006, p. 389.
References
edit- Roberts, Jackson & Smith; John Roberts; Nick Jackson; Mark Smith (2006). Tree roots in the built environment. The Stationery Office. p. 506. ISBN 0-11-753620-2.
- Schmid, Wolfram George (2002). An encyclopedia of shade perennials. Timber Press. p. 374. ISBN 0-88192-549-7.
- White, Robert Edwin (2003). Soils for fine wines. Oxford University Press US. p. 279. ISBN 0-19-514102-4.