Specialist root barriers can be installed to prevent the continued spread of invasive Japanese knotweed.
Those who are plagued by Japanese knotweed can testify to its robust nature, as it has been known to grow through roads, paths, bricks, pipework, and masonry. Containing Japanese knotweed is difficult, but with professionally installed root barrier use, the spread of invasive root systems can be restricted.
A root barrier is a protective layer installed below ground to restrict and control root growth. There are several different varieties of root barrier for the control of Japanese knotweed roots and rhizome, these should be selected based on the circumstances in which they will be used.
Our first port of call is usually a CuTex geocomposite root barrier system, consisting of a copper sheet mechanically encapsulated between a woven polypropylene geotextile and a high-strength nonwoven polypropylene geotextile. The resulting root barrier is tough, flexible, permeable, and versatile, and it incorporates a copper layer that naturally deflects root growth. CuTex has given our clients excellent results in a wide range of scenarios.
After a layer of the infected knotweed area has been removed, the whole excavated space can be covered with CuTex. The barrier will be anchored into a deep trench around the periphery to prevent lateral knotweed growth, and adjacent sheets will be overlapped for extra security.
If the job at hand requires a more flexible root barrier, we’ve achieved excellent results with FlexiRoot. These tough and flexible sheets can be joined with specialist tape to deflect tree roots or contain Japanese knotweed rhizome growth. Consisting of a woven HDPE base material, reinforced and coated with a triple layer of LDPE film, flexible root barriers are also competitively priced, making them an economical choice.
FlexiRoot UV-5 and FlexiRoot UV-10 are CE certified (CE1214-CPD-4688) and are durable in natural soils with pH 4-9 and soil temperatures <25 °C for a minimum 25 years service life when correctly installed and not subjected to UV radiation.
Root barriers can be installed both horizontally and vertically for maximum protection. Verti-Root barrier creates an impermeable, waterproof barrier that is also inert, meaning it poses no environmental risk to the surrounding area. This tough 100% polypropylene fabric is nonwoven and completely recyclable.
Choosing the right barrier to control Japanese knotweed
If you’re unsure where to begin, PBA Solutions can help guide you to the right root barrier for your situation. We’ve been experts in invasive weed control since 1995 and were the first company in the UK to gain accreditation from the PCA for Japanese knotweed control. We have extensive experience in controlling Japanese knotweed on public and private properties and will work to help you identify the best course of action for your scenario, as well as efficiently installing and managing your solution.
Just call 0203 174 2187 or 01202 816134 to talk to one of our consultants.