How to kill Lady Palm roots?

[udigautam]

Hi All

I have problem with invasive lady palm tree roots near my pool area so I had them all chopped off however the roots are still there and gone deep.

I need some advice on how to kill those roots.

Thanks heaps

Udi

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @udigautam. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about plants roots.

If you've chopped off the lady palm roots, the removed sections should already be dead. However, it sounds like the remaining roots might still be alive and have gone deep. The plant may continue to produce new roots to replace those that have been severed. In this case, you may need to install a root barrier along that section of the pool area to prevent further intrusion. If the palms are on a neighbour's property, it could be helpful to have a conversation with them about your concerns regarding the roots around your pool. If the palms are your own, you might need to consider relocating them to a different area, as their roots can be quite invasive and challenging to control in close proximity to structures like pools.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[udigautam]

Thank you Mitchell.

How deep do you think I should dig up and place the root barrier to be effective?

[MitchellMc]

The root barrier is 600mm wide, so a trench 600mm deep is required @udigautam. The trench only needs to be quite thin, allowing you to slot the barrier down into it. A trench shovel is the right tool for the job. 600mm typically takes care of most surface roots.

Mitchell