It can be very frustrating as a homeowner to deal with tree roots in your sewer line or septic system. Tree roots love the food and water in pipes and will grow quickly through cracks and joints. This causes drains to get clogged, sewage to back up, and costly plumbing repairs. Root killers are a good and cheap way to get rid of roots that are getting into pipes and stop major damage. But when is the best time of the year to use root killer to get the best results?
Tree Root Growth Cycles
To understand when to use root killer you first need to know how tree roots grow throughout the year. Tree roots go through periods of active growth and dormancy.
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Spring – In spring rising soil temperatures and moisture levels spur new root growth. Established roots start growing again and expanding to seek nutrients and water. This is a key time when tree roots aggressively seek out cracks and joints in pipes.
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Summer: Root growth stays steady in the summer, but it slows down when soil temperatures reach their highest point and moisture levels drop. Roots focus more on water uptake than new growth.
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Fall – Cooling temperatures and rainfall in fall reinvigorate root growth. Trees prepare for winter by extending roots to store more energy reserves.
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Winter – Growth slows significantly but doesn’t stop. Roots that are close to sources of heat, like sewer pipes, can still slowly grow in the winter.
So in spring and fall, root growth is at its most active. Summer growth is slower but still substantial. Even in winter, roots are still slowly growing near pipes. This means root killer can be effective year-round if applied properly.
Why Fall Is the Best Time for Root Killer Treatment
While root killer can work any time of year, the optimal time for treatment is fall. Here are some of the key reasons:
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Active root growth – In fall, root growth picks up again after the summer slowdown. Actively growing root tips readily absorb root killer products.
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Open pipe joints – Summer heat and drying can open pipe joints, allowing more root intrusions that will be exposed to root killers applied now.
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Less foliage—The leaves have fallen, which makes it easier to find and get to roots near pipe cleanouts and drains.
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Cooler temperatures – Root killer products are more effective in cooler fall temperatures than heat of summer. Hot water used in spring and summer also dilutes products.
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Less water usage – With less lawn watering, laundry, etc. flow inside pipes is lower allowing more contact time for root killer.
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Avoiding high usage seasons – Treating in fall before the winter rains and spring growth rush minimizes any potential drainage issues.
While fall is ideal, I want to emphasize you can still effectively use root killer products at other times if needed. But for maximum results, target fall for sewer root control treatments.
Tips for Effective Fall Root Killer Application
If you decide fall is the time to tackle intruding roots, here are some tips to get the best results:
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Start early – Begin treatments in early fall as soon as night temperatures start dropping into the 50s. The earlier the better.
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Identify root sources – Locate any nearby trees or shrubs with roots that may be entering the line. Focus treatment on those areas.
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Clean and inspect – Flush the line to remove debris so product contacts roots. Inspect for entry points.
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Follow directions – Carefully follow label directions on products like RootX for timing, amounts to use, and treatment frequency.
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Retreat annually – Plan on annual fall root killer treatments to prevent root regrowth and keep pipes clear.
Try Foaming Root Killers
Foaming Root Killer works effectively against root growth in your sewer line pipe. It does not only remove the roots presently in your pipes but also helps against future occurrences.
Root killer foams when it contacts water. Pour the powder into your toilet and flush.
The root killing agent, dichlobenil, is released into the pipe, and it heads straight to the root growth.
You can do this once a month to prevent future occurrences of root growth in your sewer line.
Try Copper Sulfate
Copper Sulfate is also effective in killing roots in your sewer line pipes. You can get it at your local hardware store.
Just pour about half a cup down the toilet and flush as many times as needed to wash it off. Leave the house for a few hours and take your kids and pets with you.
Copper Sulfate is toxic and banned in some places. It can kill pets that come in contact with it.
You can check the local legislation in your area to find out if it is allowed for use.
Foaming Root Killer – Tree Roots in Sewer Line
FAQ
When to use root killer?
A root killer for drains is usually effective for minor to moderate root intrusions. If the issue is serious, like when roots have damaged a lot of pipes or when blockages happen often, you might need more thorough and professional solutions, such as high-pressure water jetting.
Does root killer work in the winter?
The correct answer is YES. No matter the time of the year RootX will kill the roots that it comes into contact.
How often should I apply root killer?
Zep Root Kill should be used in 6- or 12-month intervals as needed. We can’t speak on how often you should use Rid-X. Wait 30 days after using zep to do another Ridx treatment. This will prevent the zep from killing the good bacteria in Ridx.
How often should I apply RootX?
RootX should be used once a year after jetting to keep roots from growing back into the pipes or leach line. Our customers who use RootX receive annual reminders when they are due for treatment.