Root Killer

LG2720

Is there a product that is safe for the environment? I need to use something for roots in my ground water drain that drains from my foundation into a brook. No sewer system involved with this - totally fresh ground water into freshwater brook.

jproffer

I've heard of people using rock salt (like for ice) to kill roots in drainage pipe...dunno if it works at all, but I've heard of it.

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Jim P.

Ron The Plumber

Copper Sulfate

Found at most plumbing hardware stores.

gitnerdun

Is copper sulfate detrimental to the brook? I have never heard of the salt idea, but I like it if it works. I have some extra salt around here. Or..........salt water is everywhere around Fl.

Ron The Plumber

It maynot be safe, according to the data I've been reading up on.

gitnerdun

If it kills roots it probably would also kill algae and moss or whatever grows in the stream.

fez-head

We use it to kill cat tails, duckweed and moss in the pond. (only treating 1/4 section of the pond per week so the fish wont die)

gitnerdun

You can kill just the tails?

Just kidding, thanks for the knowledge

Sewerologist

We have been a Root-X dealer (foaming root killer) for almost a year. I'll dig up the technical data and post it. Supposed to be much safer to the environment than copper sulfate. I must admit though, any chemical that kills something can't be totally safe for everything else

Teetorbilt

Salt might be your best bet. Even here in FL there is a limit as to how much salt a plant can take. If you're away from the coast, it shouldn't take much.

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You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

LG2720

I have pine tree (or hemlock) roots taking over the orangeberg pipe I believe. There is about a 100' run from the house footers to the stream. I was thinking of putting whatever is best down the closest floor drain in the basement to attempt killing the roots. I can actually put a bucket at the end of the pipe to catch the runoff before it gets in the stream. The RR guys snaked out most of it, but, said they most likely will come back - although it took 40 years for this to happen and cause the ground water backup into the basement drains. Maybe doing it on a really rainy day will help if anything gets out - at least it will be really diluted by then. ???? I'm interested in finding out more about this RootX product.

fez-head