- Keeps the roots where you want them
- Stops the roots tips from spreading and creates a fibrous root system
- Ideal for use in the garden to stop plants from spreading
- Available as a bag to keep new plants and their roots under control
- Available by the metre length creating a barrier that prevents established plant roots penetrating into undesirable areas, such as drive, paths and drains
- Rootex products are used in the professional market to control plant roots

What is Rootex?

Rootex is a fabric that has a copper based latex coating on one side. The fabric was developed and patented by Texel Inc for the commercial tree and shrub growers in North America.

When the root tip comes into contact with the copper it stops growing, the apical dominance is interrupted, and new roots develop further back towards the plant, promoting the proliferation of feeder roots. This means roots are more fibrous and absorb water and nutrients better. It also prevents roots from just being deflected, such as root circling in containers or moving downwards as with a solid barrier.

Rootex is permeable allowing water and nutrients to pass through it. This is essential, as the plant within the area of Rootex needs to be able to absorb nutrients and water from surrounding areas.

Rootex Bags

Rootex bags are copper coated on the inside of the bag and under normal use. They are used commercially to grow larger trees that are transplanted after 5 to 6 years. Rootex enables the trees to be moved at any time of the year without damage to the root system. The rootex bags are kept slightly out of the ground to prevent roots from growing across the surface.

The copper coating is on the inside of the Rootex bags and under normal use very few roots penetratethe bag. Rootex bagsare ideal for use as a liner in a pot to stop root circling. The pictures show a Hebe, Midsummer Beauty, grown in a bag inside a container for five year. Roots are very healthy and fibrous allowing water to betaken up by roots throughout the bag.

Purchase

Rootex bags are available in several sizes:

10 litre bag  - 16cm (6inch) diameter by 24cm (10 inch) depth
18 litre bag - 24cm (8inch) diameter by 35cm (14inch) depth
80 litre bag - 40cm (16inch ) by 45cm (18inch) depth

- Buy (other sizes can be made to order.)

Rootex Barrier

Unlike many other barriers, Rootex barrier is permeable encouraging free movement of nutrients and water on a lateral plane. Therefore, unlike non-permeable barriers the roots do not have to search for water and nutrients outside the barrier limits.

Installation

Rootex Barrier is laid vertically.

1. Dig a trench to a depth of 45cm (18 inches) where the Rootex Barrier is tobe laid. Ensure that you allow for sufficient root growth of theplant roots you are controlling otherwise the tree/plant may become unstable. For instance, with a tree lay down the barrier at least 1 metre (1 yard) from edge of the branches canopy.

2. Lay the Rootex Barrier vertically with the dark coloured side facing towards the roots that are to be restricted Allow 10-15cm between the roots and Rootex at installation. Top of the barrier should be at or just above the ground surface. See picture on right.

3. Fill trench, keeping Rootex in vertical position.

4. Firm down soil to make sure the soil does not slump.

Picture on right shows where Rootex barrier has been laid vertically in the trench, which has then been filled with soil and sand next to poplar trees.The barrier runs alongside the main drainage channel taking water away from the adjacent sportsfield. Rootex barrier stops the roots from penetrating into the drainage channel.

Purchase

Rootex barrier is available in a width of 45 cm and is available in any lengths. - Buy

Rootex contains a patented product from Texel Inc., Quebec, Canada.
Rootex and GardenSelect are trademarks of GardenSelect Ltd.