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Tree Root Barrier by Deeproot

DeepRoot root barrier panel installed along a sidewalk edge

DeepRoot · Universal Barrier

Tree Root Barrier

Redirect the Roots. Save the Hardscape.

Modular panels with 90° deflecting ribs that guide roots down instead of under your paving — sidewalks, driveways, foundations and kerbs.

  • Patented zipper joiner
  • Five depths, 12″ to 48″
  • Free shipping · Made in USA
Shop root barrier
  • 5Panel depths
  • 2ftCoverage per panel
  • 75%Reprocessed content
  • 3Install configurations

Choose Your Depth

Root Blocking Panels for Sidewalks, Foundations and Paving

Tree roots do not set out to break concrete. They follow the easiest route for air and water, which is often the loose backfill just under a slab — and once a structural root thickens there, it lifts the pavement. A root barrier changes the route. A vertical panel with raised 90° ribs guides roots downward along its face, so they pass beneath the hardscape instead of under it, and the tree keeps the root volume it needs.

DeepRoot's Universal Barrier panels are 24″ wide and come in five depths from 12″ to 48″. Every panel carries the same patented zipper joiner, ground-lock tabs and double top edge — depth is the only variable, chosen for the species and how much is at stake if the paving moves. Panels are sold by the carton and every order ships free.

Tree Root Barrier UB 12-2 Deeproot
$316.31 - $316.31
$316.31
$316.31 - $316.31
$316.31

DeepRoot UB 12-2 Tree Root Barrier, 12-Inch by 24-Inch

DeepRoot · Universal Barrier · Model UB-12-2 The DeepRoot UB 12-2 is the shallowest panel in the Universal Barrier range — 12" high ...

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$316.31 - $316.31
$316.31
$316.31 - $316.31
$316.31
Tree Root Barrier UB 18-2 Deeproot
$337.19 - $337.19
$337.19
$337.19 - $337.19
$337.19

DeepRoot UB 18-2 Tree Root Barrier, 18-Inch by 24-Inch

DeepRoot · Universal Barrier · Model UB-18-2 The DeepRoot UB 18-2 is 18" high by 24" wide, supplied 26 to a carton for 52 linear fee...

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$337.19 - $337.19
$337.19
$337.19 - $337.19
$337.19
Tree Root Barrier UB 24-2 Deeproot
$343.36 - $343.36
$343.36
$343.36 - $343.36
$343.36

DeepRoot UB 24-2 Tree Root Barrier, 24-Inch by 24-Inch

DeepRoot · Universal Barrier · Model UB-24-2 The DeepRoot UB 24-2 is 24" high by 24" wide — a square panel, supplied 20 to a carton ...

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$343.36 - $343.36
$343.36
$343.36 - $343.36
$343.36
Deeproot 36" plastic root barrier
$392.55 - $392.55
$392.55
$392.55 - $392.55
$392.55

DeepRoot UB 36-2 Tree Root Barrier, 36-Inch by 24-Inch

DeepRoot · Universal Barrier · Model UB-36-2 The DeepRoot UB 36-2 is 36" high by 24" wide, supplied 14 to a carton for 28 linear fee...

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$392.55 - $392.55
$392.55
$392.55 - $392.55
$392.55
DeepRoot UB 48-2 Tree Root Barrier, 48-Inch by 24-Inch
$393.44 - $393.44
$393.44
$393.44 - $393.44
$393.44

DeepRoot UB 48-2 Tree Root Barrier, 48-Inch by 24-Inch

DeepRoot · Universal Barrier · Model UB-48-2 The DeepRoot UB 48-2 is the deepest panel in the Universal Barrier range at 48" high by...

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$393.44 - $393.44
$393.44
$393.44 - $393.44
$393.44

Buyer's Guide

What Is a Root Barrier?

A root barrier is a vertical panel installed in a trench between a tree and something you do not want its roots reaching — a sidewalk, a driveway, a foundation, a kerb line or a utility run. It does not cut roots off. It redirects them. Raised 90° ribs moulded into the panel face guide roots downward as they meet it, so they travel beneath the hardscape rather than along the loose backfill just under the slab, which is where a thickening structural root does its damage.

These are sometimes searched for as root blocking panels, plastic root barrier, root guard or tree barrier. DeepRoot calls the range Universal Barrier because a single panel handles all three install configurations — a straight linear run, a surround ring around the root ball, or a retrofit after root pruning. Panels are 24″ wide, join in 2′ modules, and come in five depths.

Choose Your Panel Depth

Every panel shares the same ribs, zipper joiner, ground-lock tabs and double top edge. Depth is the variable — chosen for how aggressive the species is and how much is at stake if the paving moves.

DeepRoot UB 12-2 root barrier panel, 12 inch depth
12″ UB-12-2 40 panels · 80 ft Cart paths, bike paths, patios and less aggressive species
DeepRoot UB 18-2 root barrier panel, 18 inch depth
18″ UB-18-2 26 panels · 52 ft Sidewalks and light paving needing more margin
DeepRoot UB 24-2 root barrier panel, 24 inch depth
24″ UB-24-2 20 panels · 40 ft The depth most specifications land on
DeepRoot UB 36-2 root barrier panel, 36 inch depth
36″ UB-36-2 14 panels · 28 ft Roadways and vigorous species
DeepRoot UB 48-2 root barrier panel, 48 inch depth
48″ UB-48-2 10 panels · 20 ft Deep utilities and the most vigorous species

DeepRoot's guidance: 12″ suits cart paths, bike paths and less aggressive species. Deeper utilities, roadways or vigorous species call for a taller panel. Confirm species and spacing with a certified arborist and check local codes.

Linear, Surround or Root Pruning

One panel, three configurations. Because the joiner works in 2′ increments, arcs and straight runs use the same product with no special corner pieces.

DeepRoot root barrier in a linear application alongside paving
LinearA continuous run parallel to the pavement, protecting the full length of a sidewalk, kerb or path.
DeepRoot root barrier used as a surround around a tree
SurroundA ring or arc enclosing the root ball, directing roots down and out below the hardscape.
DeepRoot root barrier used as a root pruning retrofit
Root pruningA retrofit around an established tree, installed after selective pruning by a certified arborist.

Common Applications

Sidewalks & footpathsStop slab heave and the trip hazards that follow it.
FoundationsKeep structural roots away from footings and slabs.
Driveways & kerbsProtect the pour and the kerb line from lifting.
Planters & raised bedsContain roots inside a planter or bed perimeter.
PlaygroundsKeep surfacing flat and safe at the perimeter.
Utility protectionShield pipe and conduit runs from root intrusion.
Linear tree rowsContinuous protection along a street tree planting.
Garden bed edgingKeep tree and shrub roots out of vegetable beds.

How Deep Should a Root Barrier Be?

Depth is the single decision that matters most, because a barrier a root can travel under does nothing at all. Two things set it: how vigorously the species roots, and what the consequence is if the surface moves.

  • Light-duty paving and gentle species — 12″ to 18″
  • Standard sidewalk and street tree work — 24″
  • Roadways, structural paving, vigorous species — 36″
  • Deep utilities and the most aggressive species — 48″

Trench roughly 1–2″ deeper than the panel so the top edge finishes just below grade. That is 13–14″ for a 12″ panel, and 49–50″ for a 48″ one — worth knowing before you price the excavation, since on the deep panels the digging costs far more than the barrier.

DeepRoot Universal Barrier panel profiles at 12, 18 and 24 inch depths
Panel profiles — the 12″, 18″ and 24″ depths.

How to Install a Root Barrier

Six stages. Always follow DeepRoot's specifications and local arborist guidance for species, spacing and pruning.

  1. 1
    Layout and utilities

    Mark the run and verify utility clearances before you break ground.

  2. 2
    Excavate the trench

    Cut to the panel depth plus 1–2″ of cover, keeping the trench wall plumb so the panel sits vertical.

  3. 3
    Set the first panel

    Ribs face the tree side — they are what turn the roots down. Engage the ground-lock tabs into native soil.

  4. 4
    Zip the next panel in

    Slide it into the previous panel's joiner track, keeping top edges flush and the line straight.

  5. 5
    Backfill and compact

    Work in lifts, holding alignment, finishing grade to slightly cover the top edge where specified.

  6. 6
    Final inspection

    Confirm continuous protection with no gaps, flipped or reversed panels.

DeepRoot Universal Barrier panel set vertically in an excavated trench
Panel seated with the ribbed face toward the tree.
Quick takeoff & volume pricing

Each panel is 24″ wide, so it covers 2 linear feet. Measure your run, divide by 2, round up and add 5–10% for cuts — 60 ft of sidewalk edge needs about 33 panels. Volume pricing is available on orders of 13 or more cartons.

Request a quote

Why Buy Root Barrier From Landscape Discount

Authentic panels onlyFrom two trusted US manufacturers, DeepRoot and NDS. Never look-alikes or imitation products.
Labour is the expensive partOn a root barrier job the digging costs more than the panel. Do it once, do it right.
Free shipping, every orderDeeproot orders placed before 12:00 noon CST ship the same day, Monday to Friday.
We answer the phoneA helpful, live person on (800) 524-4161, Monday to Friday, 5:00 am – 3:00 pm Pacific.

Root Barrier FAQs

Does a root barrier actually work?

Yes, when it is deep enough and installed continuously. The failure mode is always the same — a root finds a route under or around the barrier. Get the depth right for the species, run the barrier without gaps, and it redirects roots downward as designed.

How deep does a root barrier need to be?

DeepRoot names 12″ as suitable for cart paths, bike paths and less aggressive species, with taller panels for deeper utilities, roadways or vigorous species. In practice 24″ is the depth most sidewalk and street tree specifications land on. Trench 1–2″ deeper than the panel so the top edge finishes just below grade.

Will a root barrier hurt the tree?

Used properly, no. The barrier redirects roots downward rather than severing them indiscriminately, so the tree keeps its root volume. When retrofitting near an established tree, pair the barrier with selective root pruning by an ISA-certified arborist.

How much does a root barrier cost?

Panels are sold by the carton, and cost per linear foot falls as depth decreases — a 12″ carton covers 80 feet where a 48″ carton covers 20. On most jobs the excavation costs more than the barrier, which is why choosing the right depth first time matters more than shaving the panel price.

Which way do the ribs face?

Toward the tree. The raised 90° ribs are what guide roots downward along the barrier face, so they have to meet the roots first.

Can I install it in a curve or a circle?

Yes. Panels are modular and join in 2′ increments, so arcs, rings and straight runs all use the same product. The zipper joint holds alignment as you go — no special corner pieces.

Can roots grow over the top of the barrier?

The double top edge is designed to resist that, and finishing grade slightly over the top edge helps. On higher-risk sites a deeper panel gives more margin.

How many panels do I need?

Measure the run in feet and divide by 2, since each panel is 24″ wide. Round up and add 5–10% for cuts. A 60 ft sidewalk edge works out at 30 panels plus contingency, so order about 33.

What are the panels made of?

Copolymer polypropylene at 0.080″ thickness, injection moulded from 75% reprocessed polypropylene with UV inhibitors, in an ISO 9002 certified facility in the USA. Note these are polypropylene rather than HDPE — we stock HDPE root barrier separately.

Can weed barrier fabric stop tree roots?

No. Woven and non-woven landscape fabrics are designed to suppress weed germination, not to resist a structural root. Roots grow through, around and under them. Redirecting a tree root needs a rigid vertical panel with a deflecting profile.

Is it sold by the panel or the carton?

By the carton. Carton quantities run from 40 panels for the 12″ down to 10 for the 48″. Volume pricing is available on orders of 13 or more cartons — call (800) 524-4161.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is free on every order at Landscape Discount. Deeproot orders placed before 12:00 noon CST ship the same day, Monday to Friday.