Content
- Plant reeds with root barrier
- What is a root barrier?
- How thick should the root barrier be for reeds?
- How deep should the root barrier be?
- Set root barrier
- What is root barrier cost?
- Tips
Reed definitely needs a root barrier
Plant reeds with root barrier
Reed can form roots of up to 2 meters deep, some miscanthus varieties reach even deeper. Therefore, when planting reeds in the garden a root barrier must be laid. What exactly this is, how to set them and what they cost, you will find out below.
What is a root barrier?
A root barrier is usually used in the form of a tensioning tile (also called root protection sheet by the manufacturers) whose material is very tear-resistant and thus impermeable to the roots. Most of these tiles are made of HDPE (High Pressure Polyethylene), but there are also some suppliers that offer rhizome barriers made from recycled materials.
How thick should the root barrier be for reeds?
Root barriers are offered in different strengths. Strengths are from 1.2 to 2mm, with the vast majority of providers offer films with 2mm thickness. With this strength you can be sure that your reed or miscanthus does not manage to penetrate the foil.
How deep should the root barrier be?
In low-wattage varieties of miscanthus and reeds a depth of 30 to 40cm is sufficient, medium-high species should get about 50cm square and giant miscanthus should have up to one meter in the ground space. Depending on the size, a planting distance of 30 to 120 cm should be kept between the individual plants; the same applies to the distance to the edge.
Be sure to cover the floor! Otherwise, the roots grow initially only downwards, but then spread from there to the sides.
Set root barrier
What is root barrier cost?
The prices of rhizome barriers vary depending on the manufacturer and especially the strength of the film. In general, you can expect from meter prices of about four euros (at a height of 70cm and a thickness of 2mm).
When buying, make sure that the film is free of harmful substances and rodent-proof.
Tips
Instead of setting a root barrier, you can also concretise the area.