Mortdale based. Sydney wide. 15 years on the tools.
Root Barrier Installation Sydney
AQF Level 5 arborists, $20M public liability and council paperwork handled. Tell us about the job and we call you back the same day.
★ 5.0 from 71 Google reviewsAQF Level 5 arboristsISO 9001 certified$20M public liability
Protect paving, pipes and foundations without losing the tree
Tree roots are a common cause of lifted paving, cracked slabs, blocked drains and damaged pool shells. True Roots installs root barriers and prunes roots the right way — so your structures are protected and, in most cases, the tree stays healthy and standing.
When roots start lifting a driveway or pushing into a stormwater line, the first reaction is usually “take the tree out.” Often you don’t have to — and your council may not let you, if the tree is protected. A correctly installed root barrier redirects root growth down and away from the structure, while targeted root pruning removes the offending roots without destabilising the tree.
The difference is who does the work. Because True Roots is led by AQF Level 5 arborists, we know which roots can safely be cut and which are holding the tree up — so we solve the damage without killing the tree or creating a fall risk. We install barriers for homeowners protecting paving, pools and foundations, and for builders who need root protection around trees on new builds (in line with AS 4970 tree-protection requirements). We work across St George, the Sutherland Shire, Canterbury-Bankstown and greater Sydney.
What a root barrier protects
Lifted paving & driveways
Stop roots from heaving pavers, concrete and driveways — and reinstate the surface once the barrier is in.
Cracked foundations & slabs
Redirect roots away from footings, slabs and retaining walls before they cause structural damage.
Blocked pipes & drains
Keep invasive roots out of stormwater and sewer lines, pool shells and plumbing — a common, costly problem.
New builds near trees
Root protection and barriers around retained trees on construction sites, in line with AS 4970 and council conditions.
Root work from our own jobs
How a root barrier job runs
1. Assess & locate roots
We inspect the tree and trace the roots causing the damage, and check whether the tree is protected.
2. Safe root pruning
Our arborists cut only the roots that can be removed without destabilising or killing the tree.
3. Install the barrier
A durable root barrier is installed to redirect future growth down and away from your structure.
4. Reinstate & clean up
We backfill, reinstate the surface and leave the site clean — problem solved, tree intact.
Why use an arborist for root barriers
The tree usually stays
Arborist-led root pruning means we fix the damage without removing a healthy (or protected) tree wherever possible.
Compliance & reports
Cutting roots near protected trees can need council approval. We assess it and can prepare AS 4970 arborist reports.
Insured & certified
Fully insured ($20M public liability), ISO 9001 certified work you can rely on around your home or build.
Two checks before roots are cut or a barrier goes in
- Is the tree protected? Councils can treat root cutting as work on the tree. Georges River Council, for example, says work on any part of a tree, including cutting its roots, needs approval unless it is exempt. We check your council’s rules for your tree first, and can write the AQF Level 5 arborist report if one is needed. See our guide to managing tree roots.
- Where are the pipes and cables? A barrier trench runs right where services often are. A free Before You Dig Australia enquiry shows the plans before excavation starts.
If a tree is already lifting a slab or has got into a sewer line, also see stump and root removal and arborist reports.
Root barrier questions
Will installing a root barrier kill my tree?
Not when it’s done properly. The key is which roots are cut. Our AQF Level 5 arborists only remove roots the tree can afford to lose and install the barrier at a safe distance — protecting your structure while keeping the tree stable and healthy.
Do I need council approval to cut tree roots?
Sometimes — many councils protect significant trees, and cutting major roots can count as “works” on a protected tree. We check your tree’s status first and can prepare the arborist report councils require, so you’re never exposed to a fine.
What damage do tree roots actually cause?
The common ones we fix are lifted paving and driveways, cracked slabs and footings, blocked or cracked stormwater and sewer pipes, and damage to pool shells and retaining walls.
How deep does a root barrier go?
It depends on the tree species, soil and what you’re protecting — we set the depth and length during assessment so it actually redirects the roots rather than just slowing them.
How much does root barrier installation cost?
It depends on the length of barrier, access, root size and reinstatement needed. We assess it on site and give you a clear, fixed quote before any work starts.
What our clients say
Real reviews from Sydney clients, quoted from our Google profile. Long reviews are shortened; tap Read more for the full review on Google.
Reviews …Really great service, professional, safe and accommodating. Difficulties of access easily overcome, good people to deal withRead more
David G.October 2026Jimmy and the guys were excellent at their job—very fast and very tidy. I highly recommend them, and I certainly wouldn't hesitate to use them again in the future. "True Roots" are the best.
Nomikos R.October 2026Removed 4 bunches of palm nuts and tidied everything up. Great job.
Matthew K.October 2026Jimmy and his crew were fast, efficient and professional! He was so helpful in removing a tree in our yard that was a safety hazard. I highly recommend True Roots and would not hesitate to use them again if needed.
Liz B.June 2026Jimmy and his team were excellent. Fast, reliable, well-priced and impressive work. Great to see such a good, local tree removal business and arborist in Mortdale and operating in the St George area. You will not be disappointed using these guys.
Jamie D.April 2026Great service! I liked how they cleaned up after they chopped down our tree. Efficient and very competitive pricing. I would happily book them again in the future.
Celia L.April 2026Jimmy and the two men working with him were professional, hard working and efficient with their time. They removed a large bougainvillea adjacent to the pool. I was very impressed with how well they did this, especially given how thorny it…Read more
Jan B.March 2026I recently hired True Roots to remove a large gum tree from my property, and I couldn’t be more impressed with their service. From the initial consultation to the final clean-up, the team of arborists were professional, efficient, and…Read more
Joseph2025Jimmy was amazing; right from the beginning, he was informative, professional and willing to work within our budget. We could not be happier with what he has delivered for us. We removed all our side trees and replaced them with hedges and…Read more
JJ2025Highly recommend the Team from True Roots, the boys came in and removed a Black Butt that was overhanging our house. Very competitive pricing and managed to squeeze us in. The stump was ground back and all waste was removed. Very professional and skilled workers. Will definitely use them again in the future.
Ben G.2024Highly recommend! James and the boys did an amazing job cutting down a large tree in my yard. Super professional, efficient, and left everything clean and tidy. Great service, and I’m really happy with the results. Will definitely call again for any future tree work! Thanks Andrew
Andrew M.2024Qualified, insured and accountable
- AQF Level 5 arboristDiploma of Arboriculture (AHC50524), TAFE NSW, 2024. About 15 years in arboriculture.
- ISO 9001 certifiedQuality management system certified to ISO 9001.
- $20M public liabilityPlus icare workers compensation. Certificates of currency sent with every quote.
- Australian StandardsTree pruning and trimming to AS 4373, tree protection on building sites to AS 4970.
- Indigenous-ownedOwned and operated by an Indigenous director. Registered NSW Government supplier on buy.nsw.
- 5.0 on Google71 reviews, every one from a real job. Read them.
Roots damaging your property?
Send us a photo of the problem and we’ll tell you whether a root barrier and arborist root pruning can fix it — with a clear quote.
Get a free quote
Tell us what you need done and we will call you back to arrange a look. Every job is assessed individually - no two trees are the same.
Urgent or unsafe tree? Call 0422 023 242 - we answer 24 hours.