Tree Root Barriers

We provide end-to-end design for the installation of tree root barrier systems, which protects structures near trees.

Why do we need root barriers?

A Mainmark vehicle outside a property to deliver slab lifting services

How do root barriers work?

Although trees enhance urban landscapes, if they are located near buildings, their roots can cause considerable foundation problems such as subsidence.

Water-thirsty trees, particularly those from the broadleaf species, draw moisture from clay soil, leaving it drier and more prone to shrinkage. A mature tree can absorb anything between 500 and 2,000 litres a day.

Some seasonal moisture movement in clay soil is normal, however, during very dry summers, large trees nearby continue to extract moisture from the soil. This can cause excessive shrinkage in clay with a high Plasticity Index, potentially resulting in subsidence in nearby properties.

Tree roots can draw moisture from deeper levels, sometimes several metres in the ground, which means even newer homes with deeper foundations are not immune.

It’s important to follow the consideration outlined in BS 5837 when determining the most suitable course of action regarding trees. Tree removal isn’t always the answer. It typically requires planning permission, particularly if:

• Trees are mature

• Of high amenity value

• Are within a Conservation Area

• Subject to a Tree Preservation Order

If a tree needs to remain near the property, there are various options available to mitigate the damage. One solution is underpinning; however, it can be expensive and disruptive. Mainmark’s less invasive alternative is to install a root barrier.

Gap between a concrete floor slab and wall showing signs of ground movement, illustrating the need for slab lifting repair

Tree roots must be prevented from entering a foundation’s zone of influence to avoid causing structural issues such as subsidence. A foundation’s zone of influence is the area of soil that is likely to be affected by the loads of a building’s foundation. It is a zone that extends outwards and downwards from the footings.

Root barriers are physical membranes made of heavy-duty plastic, copper or engineered fabric that are installed below ground to form an obstruction. This prevents root intrusion, while preserving the health of a tree.

These barriers, when installed to appropriate depths (up to 5m) and lengths, effectively redirect root growth away from a foundation’s zone of influence, helping to minimise structural damage and maintain long-term soil stability.

Think you need root barriers? Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.

Mainmark’s specialised in-house solutions

Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.

Featured Case Studies

A diverse group of passionate professionals, each bringing unique skills and experiences to drive innovation and excellence in every project we undertake.

Modern glass art gallery re-supported and re-levelled by Mainmark using advanced ground engineering solutions
Art Gallery Re-supported and Re-levelled
Mainmark truck parked beside a historic listed building, where resin injection was used to treat foundation subsidence.
Resin injection ground strengthening instead of underpinning for historic building.
Mainmark Completes Subsidence and Heave Re-Levelling Across Residential Housing Estate
Specialised Resin and High-Strength Concrete Used to Seal Damaged Groundwater Pit

Delivering exceptional outcomes to our
clients, partners and team

Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.

Technical expertise icon representing Mainmark UK’s advanced ground engineering technologies and experienced slab lifting engineers

Technical

The combination of our proven ground improvement technologies and our experienced ground engineers enables us to re-level and re-support buildings affected by subsidence across various sectors.

Consultative approach icon representing Mainmark UK’s problem-solving expertise in slab lifting solutions

Consultative

Our problem-solving approach and recommendation of ground engineering solutions sets us apart from the competition. The complexity of ground improvement requires a range of state-of-the-art technologies to meet both project and client requirements.

Trusted

We are trusted to present effective and creative solutions to many types of ground engineering problems in a wide range of sectors, including residential, industrial, commercial, civil engineering and infrastructure.

Get in Touch

Worried about wall cracks, ceiling cracks, or possible subsidence? Mainmark Ireland’s specialists are here to help. We’ll inspect, assess, and provide the most effective repair plan for your property.

Location

Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) Ltd
3rd Floor
40 Mespil Road
Dublin 4
D04 C2NA

Tree Root Barriers

We provide end-to-end design for the installation of tree root barrier systems, which protects structures near trees.

Why do we need root barriers?

A Mainmark vehicle outside a property to deliver slab lifting services

How do root barriers work?

Although trees enhance urban landscapes, if they are located near buildings, their roots can cause considerable foundation problems such as subsidence.

Water-thirsty trees, particularly those from the broadleaf species, draw moisture from clay soil, leaving it drier and more prone to shrinkage. A mature tree can absorb anything between 500 and 2,000 litres a day.

Some seasonal moisture movement in clay soil is normal, however, during very dry summers, large trees nearby continue to extract moisture from the soil. This can cause excessive shrinkage in clay with a high Plasticity Index, potentially resulting in subsidence in nearby properties.

Tree roots can draw moisture from deeper levels, sometimes several metres in the ground, which means even newer homes with deeper foundations are not immune.

It’s important to follow the consideration outlined in BS 5837 when determining the most suitable course of action regarding trees. Tree removal isn’t always the answer. It typically requires planning permission, particularly if:

• Trees are mature

• Of high amenity value

• Are within a Conservation Area

• Subject to a Tree Preservation Order

If a tree needs to remain near the property, there are various options available to mitigate the damage. One solution is underpinning; however, it can be expensive and disruptive. Mainmark’s less invasive alternative is to install a root barrier.

Gap between a concrete floor slab and wall showing signs of ground movement, illustrating the need for slab lifting repair

Tree roots must be prevented from entering a foundation’s zone of influence to avoid causing structural issues such as subsidence. A foundation’s zone of influence is the area of soil that is likely to be affected by the loads of a building’s foundation. It is a zone that extends outwards and downwards from the footings.

Root barriers are physical membranes made of heavy-duty plastic, copper or engineered fabric that are installed below ground to form an obstruction. This prevents root intrusion, while preserving the health of a tree.

These barriers, when installed to appropriate depths (up to 5m) and lengths, effectively redirect root growth away from a foundation’s zone of influence, helping to minimise structural damage and maintain long-term soil stability.

Think you need root barriers? Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.

Mainmark’s specialised in-house solutions

Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.

Featured Case Studies

A diverse group of passionate professionals, each bringing unique skills and experiences to drive innovation and excellence in every project we undertake.

Modern glass art gallery re-supported and re-levelled by Mainmark using advanced ground engineering solutions
Art Gallery Re-supported and Re-levelled
Mainmark truck parked beside a historic listed building, where resin injection was used to treat foundation subsidence.
Resin injection ground strengthening instead of underpinning for historic building.
Mainmark Completes Subsidence and Heave Re-Levelling Across Residential Housing Estate
Specialised Resin and High-Strength Concrete Used to Seal Damaged Groundwater Pit

Delivering exceptional outcomes to our
clients, partners and team

Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.

Technical expertise icon representing Mainmark UK’s advanced ground engineering technologies and experienced slab lifting engineers

Technical

The combination of our proven ground improvement technologies and our experienced ground engineers enables us to re-level and re-support buildings affected by subsidence across various sectors.

Consultative approach icon representing Mainmark UK’s problem-solving expertise in slab lifting solutions

Consultative

Our problem-solving approach and recommendation of ground engineering solutions sets us apart from the competition. The complexity of ground improvement requires a range of state-of-the-art technologies to meet both project and client requirements.

Trusted

We are trusted to present effective and creative solutions to many types of ground engineering problems in a wide range of sectors, including residential, industrial, commercial, civil engineering and infrastructure.

Get in Touch

Worried about wall cracks, ceiling cracks, or possible subsidence? Mainmark Ireland’s specialists are here to help. We’ll inspect, assess, and provide the most effective repair plan for your property.

Location

Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) Ltd
3rd Floor
40 Mespil Road
Dublin 4
D04 C2NA

Tree Root Barriers

We provide end-to-end design for the installation of tree root barrier systems, which protects structures near trees.

Why do we need root barriers?

A Mainmark vehicle outside a property to deliver slab lifting services

How do root barriers work?

Although trees enhance urban landscapes, if they are located near buildings, their roots can cause considerable foundation problems such as subsidence.

Water-thirsty trees, particularly those from the broadleaf species, draw moisture from clay soil, leaving it drier and more prone to shrinkage. A mature tree can absorb anything between 500 and 2,000 litres a day.

Some seasonal moisture movement in clay soil is normal, however, during very dry summers, large trees nearby continue to extract moisture from the soil. This can cause excessive shrinkage in clay with a high Plasticity Index, potentially resulting in subsidence in nearby properties.

Tree roots can draw moisture from deeper levels, sometimes several metres in the ground, which means even newer homes with deeper foundations are not immune.

It’s important to follow the consideration outlined in BS 5837 when determining the most suitable course of action regarding trees. Tree removal isn’t always the answer. It typically requires planning permission, particularly if:

• Trees are mature

• Of high amenity value

• Are within a Conservation Area

• Subject to a Tree Preservation Order

If a tree needs to remain near the property, there are various options available to mitigate the damage. One solution is underpinning; however, it can be expensive and disruptive. Mainmark’s less invasive alternative is to install a root barrier.

Gap between a concrete floor slab and wall showing signs of ground movement, illustrating the need for slab lifting repair

Tree roots must be prevented from entering a foundation’s zone of influence to avoid causing structural issues such as subsidence. A foundation’s zone of influence is the area of soil that is likely to be affected by the loads of a building’s foundation. It is a zone that extends outwards and downwards from the footings.

Root barriers are physical membranes made of heavy-duty plastic, copper or engineered fabric that are installed below ground to form an obstruction. This prevents root intrusion, while preserving the health of a tree.

These barriers, when installed to appropriate depths (up to 5m) and lengths, effectively redirect root growth away from a foundation’s zone of influence, helping to minimise structural damage and maintain long-term soil stability.

Think you need root barriers? Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.

Mainmark’s specialised in-house solutions

Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.

Featured Case Studies

A diverse group of passionate professionals, each bringing unique skills and experiences to drive innovation and excellence in every project we undertake.

Modern glass art gallery re-supported and re-levelled by Mainmark using advanced ground engineering solutions
Art Gallery Re-supported and Re-levelled
Mainmark truck parked beside a historic listed building, where resin injection was used to treat foundation subsidence.
Resin injection ground strengthening instead of underpinning for historic building.
Mainmark Completes Subsidence and Heave Re-Levelling Across Residential Housing Estate
Specialised Resin and High-Strength Concrete Used to Seal Damaged Groundwater Pit

Delivering exceptional outcomes to our
clients, partners and team

Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.

Technical expertise icon representing Mainmark UK’s advanced ground engineering technologies and experienced slab lifting engineers

Technical

The combination of our proven ground improvement technologies and our experienced ground engineers enables us to re-level and re-support buildings affected by subsidence across various sectors.

Consultative approach icon representing Mainmark UK’s problem-solving expertise in slab lifting solutions

Consultative

Our problem-solving approach and recommendation of ground engineering solutions sets us apart from the competition. The complexity of ground improvement requires a range of state-of-the-art technologies to meet both project and client requirements.

Trusted

We are trusted to present effective and creative solutions to many types of ground engineering problems in a wide range of sectors, including residential, industrial, commercial, civil engineering and infrastructure.

Get in Touch

Worried about wall cracks, ceiling cracks, or possible subsidence? Mainmark Ireland’s specialists are here to help. We’ll inspect, assess, and provide the most effective repair plan for your property.

Location

Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) Ltd
3rd Floor
40 Mespil Road
Dublin 4
D04 C2NA