Copper Root Barrier — 16 Mesh Woven Copper, 100 FT Rolls

Copper root barrier is 16 mesh woven copper screen — .011" wire, a 0.052" (1.31 mm) square opening and about 68% open area — supplied in 100 ft rolls for trenching between trees and the things their roots lift and crack: sidewalks, driveways, patios, foundations, pipes and planting beds.

How it works

Copper inhibits root growth. When a growing root tip touches copper it stops lengthening, and the root branches out behind the tip instead of pushing on through. Nurseries use the same effect in copper-treated pots to keep roots from circling. Because the barrier is an open mesh rather than a plastic sheet, water and air still pass through it, so the soil on both sides drains normally.

How strongly roots respond varies by species and site, and roots can still travel under a barrier that is too shallow. For large or established trees, or work close to a foundation, check the plan with an arborist.

Choosing a width

The roll width is the barrier depth, less the inch or two left above grade. As a general guide:

• 18" — shrubs, hedges and planting beds
• 24" — small trees
• 36" — most yard and street trees
• 48" — large trees and aggressive root systems

Installing

1. Dig a narrow trench along the line you want to protect, as deep as the roll is wide.
2. Stand the mesh upright in the trench with the top edge 1–2" above grade, so surface roots can't grow over it.
3. Overlap the ends where two lengths meet, so there is no gap for a root to find.
4. Backfill in layers, tamping and watering as you go.

Cut edges of copper screen are sharp, so wear gloves when handling.

Stock sizes

• 18" x 100 FT Roll (approx. 22 lb)
• 24" x 100 FT Roll (approx. 29 lb)
• 36" x 100 FT Roll (approx. 43 lb)
• 48" x 100 FT Roll (approx. 58 lb)

The same cloth is also stocked as 16 mesh copper woven wire in 36" to 72" widths, cut to your dimensions. Stocked in Hayward, California — request a quote for pricing, full rolls or cut lengths.