Posted by Edwin Pawlowski on February 9, 2008, 6:46 pm
> X-No-Archive:
> For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
> problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
> few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
> problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
> Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
> problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
> of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
> drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
> more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
> I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
> them from growing in the drains - no.
I've heard a few people put a 50 pound bag of rock salt in their wash tub
and let it dissolve and go down the drain. Supposed to take care of the
problem. Never tried it myself.
Killing the tree may cause other problems since it is a very slow process.
Eventually the tree weakens and may fall on your car or house. Best to cut
it down first and kill the rest.
Posted by HeyBub on February 9, 2008, 7:16 pm
Gas Bag wrote:
> X-No-Archive:
> For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
> problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
> few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
> problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
> Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
> problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
> of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
> drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
> more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
> I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
> them from growing in the drains - no. Rather I want to use something
> that will kill the offending tree/plant, or poison it as thoroughly as
> possible. What is the equivalent of "cyanide" for a tree or plant that
> I can put into my drains last thing at night? The bottom line is I
> don't just want to repel the roots, I want to thoroughly poison the
> tree.
An alternative is a plastic pipe liner. Impervious to roots.
Posted by symplastless on February 9, 2008, 7:51 pm
Why, its not your tree is it?
--
Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Consulting Forester & Tree Expert
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.
> X-No-Archive:
> As much as I'd love to cut down the tree (years ago)......not an
> option. Well, not at the moment anyway. Same as plastic pipe liner for
> the drains. Not a viable option at the moment. Sounds like a good idea
> though.
> That "big bag of rock salt" option seems a reasonable idea. Might look
> into that. If you can give me some feedback on it, I'd really
> appreciate it. Also, I am thinking about buying some Round Up and
> pouring a little bit into the drain last thing at night, and keeping
> it up for a while.
> The bottom line is that tipping some sort of chemical into the drain
> is the only option at the moment.
Posted by David E. Ross on February 9, 2008, 8:11 pm
On 2/9/2008 4:16 PM, HeyBub wrote:
> Gas Bag wrote:
>> X-No-Archive:
>>
>> For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
>> problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
>> few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
>> problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
>> Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
>> problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
>> of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
>> drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
>> more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
>> I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
>> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
>> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
>> them from growing in the drains - no. Rather I want to use something
>> that will kill the offending tree/plant, or poison it as thoroughly as
>> possible. What is the equivalent of "cyanide" for a tree or plant that
>> I can put into my drains last thing at night? The bottom line is I
>> don't just want to repel the roots, I want to thoroughly poison the
>> tree.
>
> An alternative is a plastic pipe liner. Impervious to roots.
>
>
This is also my recommendation. Your problem indicates that there is a
break or separated joint in your drain line. It doesn't take a tree to
clog it. Any plant, even annuals, can cause problems.
--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at <http://www.rossde.com/garden/>
Posted by Cliff Hartle on February 9, 2008, 10:25 pm
> Also, I am thinking about buying some Round Up and
> pouring a little bit into the drain last thing at night, and keeping
> it up for a while.
Round up only acts on the leaves and specifically is designed to degrade
when it hits the soil.
Also may be a federal offence.
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> For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
> problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
> few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
> problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
> Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
> problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
> of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
> drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
> more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
> I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
> them from growing in the drains - no.