Keep lilacs in check with a root barrier

What is a root barrier?

One Root lock does exactly what it says: it blocks them root within a boundary and thus ensures that they cannot spread underground. They consist of resistant and very stable plastics with high density, for example hard polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP). The material is usually sold in roll form so that you can cut it to the required length yourself.

What to look for when buying a root barrier

Many gardeners try to stop their lilacs from spreading with the help of roofing felt or pond liner. However, neither material is suitable for this purpose as the Lilac roots they can just penetrate. Instead, you should - even if it is more expensive - purchase a high-quality root barrier from a garden center. In order for this to be effective as desired, it should have the following properties:

• Root-resistant material: material of high density and strength so that the shoots cannot penetrate the barrier
• UV-resistant material: UV light weakens plastics in their strength so that they are no longer effective after a few years. So make sure you use a UV-resistant material.
• Frost-resistant material: Frost can also make plastic crumbly and brittle over time. Buy a root barrier made of frost-resistant material.
• Pollutant-free material: Also make sure that the root barrier does not contain any plasticizers or other harmful chemicals, as this could damage the lilac.

How to build a root barrier

After you have obtained the root barrier you want, you can move on to installing it. The principle works easiest, of course, when you start with the Planting dig in the young plant. But it is also possible to insert it afterwards. That's how it works:

• Choose a suitable location for your lilac.
• Think about how much space you want to give the shrub.
• Keep in mind that this one needs some leeway to grow.
• So you should leave at least one to one and a half meters around the main trunk free.
• Dig an appropriately sized hole.
• Place the root barrier there in a ring - at least 60 centimeters deep.
• Plant the lilac in the middle.