Blood maple roots - a danger to masonry?

Blood maple roots - a danger to masonry?

Knowledge of root growth eliminates concerns

Blood maple thrives as a heart root with a pronounced tendency to become shallow. From this point of view, conflicts with walls are not to be feared as long as you keep a reasonable distance when planting. However, the legally prescribed limit distances in most federal states with an average of 200 cm are not sufficient.

also read

  • Cutting blood maple - how does it work?
  • Digging up maple roots - this is how the feat of strength succeeds
  • Are cyclamen a danger to cats?

Unless you cut your blood maple, the Faassens Black variety can grow up to 10 m wide over the years. Accordingly, the majority of the root strands expand horizontally. The columnar blood maple Crimson Sentry is satisfied with significantly less space, with its crown and roots reaching a maximum extension of 4 m.

Root barrier prevents wall damage - this is how it works

With a root barrier, you can effectively prevent wall damage from the outset. Root barriers are made of sturdy plastic, do not rot and are impenetrable for tree roots. How to use the barrier correctly:

  • Dig a 60 cm deep planting pit in the diameter of the expected crown extension
  • Knock out the edge of the pit with the root barrier
  • Connect the overlapping ends with an aluminum rail
  • Plant the blood maple in the middle while maintaining the previous planting depth
  • Drive support posts into the ground and connect them to the trunk
  • Trample the earth and water it

In order for the root barrier to fulfill its function perfectly, it should protrude about 10 cm from the earth. Otherwise, the strong root strands could overcome the barrier. With an underplanting of ground cover you hide the black plastic from the viewer within a short time. Alternatively, spread a layer of bark mulch on the root disc.

Tips

With his book “The Secret Life of Trees”, Eifel forester Peter Wohlleben opened our eyes to the importance of roots. With the help of their root strands, the majestic forest dwellers communicate, exchange information and warn themselves about pests or diseases. It is therefore taboo to cut healthy roots when planting.