Wisteria is a powerhouse grower, and I’m not just talking about those gorgeous vines climbing your trellis. Underground, this plant is just as ambitious. Its root system is incredibly aggressive, and if you aren’t careful, it can easily buckle your patio pavers, crack retaining walls, or even mess with your underground pipes. If you want to enjoy the blooms without the structural headaches, a root barrier is a must-have. Here is the lowdown on how to get it done right.
Taming those massive roots
Wisteria roots are double trouble: they grow deep with a few sturdy taproots, but they also spread out wide as shallow lateral roots. You’ve got to keep this in mind when picking a spot in your yard. Always give your wisteria plenty of breathing room away from your home’s foundation and any utility lines.
A root barrier acts like a fence underground, keeping those shallow roots from wandering too far from the main trunk. It’s the best way to prevent your wisteria from popping up in random spots or causing expensive damage. But fair warning: because wisteria is so strong, a flimsy barrier just won’t cut it.
What a root barrier does for your wisteria:
- Keeps the root spread in check
- Keeps the plant exactly where you want it
- Protects your walls and pipes from damage
How to install a root barrier
You’ll find root barriers made of all sorts of materials at the local hardware store, but you have to be picky here. Don’t bother with fabric liners or wood—wisteria roots will punch right through those like they aren’t even there. For a plant this powerful, you really need to go with something heavy-duty, like concrete or solid stone. These materials provide a “no-pass zone” that the roots can’t easily break.
First, pick the perfect sunny spot for your wisteria and dig your planting hole. You’ll want to install your stone or concrete barrier in a circle about three feet out from the main trunk. Make sure you bury it deep enough! If the barrier is too shallow, those clever roots will just dive underneath it and keep on spreading, which totally defeats the purpose. Keep it deep, keep it solid, and you’ll have a happy, well-behaved wisteria for years to come.
