
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?

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.
How do root barriers work?

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.
Mainmark technologies – effective alternatives to underpinning
A diverse group of passionate professionals, each bringing unique skills and experiences to drive innovation and excellence in every project we undertake.
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.

Honest
Our world-leading ground engineering technologies achieve safe, accurate and economically delivered outcomes. We understand that ground engineering can be complex and no single method suits every project. We work with our clients and partners to recommend the right solution for each challenge.

Proven
Mainmark ground improvement solutions have been proven for over 30 years. Our ground engineering specialists have worked on over 30,000 projects worldwide, from straightforward residential subsidence to post-earthquake remediation in Japan and New Zealand. We aim to be the best at solving your ground problems with minimal disruption.

Knowledgeable
Our experienced team has a wealth of knowledge in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as highways, rail, utilities and infrastructure. Our ground engineers can raise and re-level buildings, providing support and improving ground performance.

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

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?

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.
How do root barriers work?

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.
Mainmark technologies – effective alternatives to underpinning
A diverse group of passionate professionals, each bringing unique skills and experiences to drive innovation and excellence in every project we undertake.
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.

Honest
Our world-leading ground engineering technologies achieve safe, accurate and economically delivered outcomes. We understand that ground engineering can be complex and no single method suits every project. We work with our clients and partners to recommend the right solution for each challenge.

Proven
Mainmark ground improvement solutions have been proven for over 30 years. Our ground engineering specialists have worked on over 30,000 projects worldwide, from straightforward residential subsidence to post-earthquake remediation in Japan and New Zealand. We aim to be the best at solving your ground problems with minimal disruption.

Knowledgeable
Our experienced team has a wealth of knowledge in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as highways, rail, utilities and infrastructure. Our ground engineers can raise and re-level buildings, providing support and improving ground performance.

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

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?

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.
How do root barriers work?

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.
Mainmark technologies – effective alternatives to underpinning
A diverse group of passionate professionals, each bringing unique skills and experiences to drive innovation and excellence in every project we undertake.
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.

Honest
Our world-leading ground engineering technologies achieve safe, accurate and economically delivered outcomes. We understand that ground engineering can be complex and no single method suits every project. We work with our clients and partners to recommend the right solution for each challenge.

Proven
Mainmark ground improvement solutions have been proven for over 30 years. Our ground engineering specialists have worked on over 30,000 projects worldwide, from straightforward residential subsidence to post-earthquake remediation in Japan and New Zealand. We aim to be the best at solving your ground problems with minimal disruption.

Knowledgeable
Our experienced team has a wealth of knowledge in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as highways, rail, utilities and infrastructure. Our ground engineers can raise and re-level buildings, providing support and improving ground performance.

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


