Waimanalo Root Barrier Project

The Outdoor Circle’s root barrier research project, once again in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Kaufman of the University of Hawai‘i’s Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences department, reached its conclusion this past spring. The findings, which will be shared with the public through presentations, documents, free publications and academic journal articles, highlight this first-of-its-kind research for a tropical region looking at the impacts of different root barrier methods on common street tree species (Kou and Rainbow Showers). From these findings, newly planted trees in Hawai‘i’s urban forests should benefit by having better access to adequate soil volumes, leading to better overall health and growth rates, while also reducing the known and frequent conflicts that tree roots have with the built environment, specifically concrete sidewalks, utilities and roads. A showcase of the project site at the University of Hawai‘i Waimanalo research site will take place during the upcoming school semester, with the potential for a second showcase based on stated interest.