Landscaping with Termite Barriers

Landscaping adds beauty and value to any home, but it can unintentionally compromise termite barriers if not planned and maintained carefully.
Termite barriers are essential for protecting your property from destructive termite infestations.
However, certain landscaping choices and maintenance practices can disrupt or render these barriers ineffective.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your landscaping termite-safe while preserving your barrier.

Understanding Termite Barriers

Termite barriers are physical or chemical systems installed around or beneath a building to prevent termites from accessing it. All homes will have some sort of termite management system and you need to know what has been installed at your property.
Often the easiest way to check is to look in your electrical meter box and there should be information in there.
These barriers are critical for protecting structures, especially in areas like Sydney’s Hills District, where termite activity is common.

• Physical Barriers: These are typically made of materials like stainless steel mesh or graded stones, installed beneath a building to block termites from tunneling through.
• Chemical Barriers: Liquid termiticides are applied to the soil around a structure, creating a treated zone that deters or kills termites.

How Landscaping Affects Termite Barriers

Certain landscaping practices can unintentionally damage or compromise termite barriers, creating vulnerabilities for infestations.

1. Planting Too Close to the Building
Plants, shrubs, or trees placed too close to your home can cause several issues:

• Roots may penetrate physical barriers or disturb treated soil in chemical barriers.
• Dense vegetation can trap moisture near the building’s foundation, attracting termites.

2. Adding New Soil or Mulch
Adding layers of soil or mulch near the foundation can create a bridge over chemical barriers, allowing termites to bypass the protection. Organic mulch, in particular, provides food and shelter for termites.

3. Paving and Hardscaping
Installing paving, patios, or retaining walls near the property can disturb termite barriers. Movement of soil during these projects may break the chemical seal or create gaps in physical barriers.

4. Irrigation Systems
Overwatering or poorly designed irrigation systems can saturate the soil around the foundation, diluting termiticides in chemical barriers and creating favorable conditions for termites.

Best Practices for Landscaping with Termite Barriers

1. Maintain a Safe Clearance

• Keep plants and trees at least 50cm away from your home’s foundation.
• Choose smaller, non-invasive plants that won’t have large root systems.

2. Use Termite-Resistant Mulch

• Opt for inorganic mulches like gravel or stone, or choose termite-resistant mulches such as cedar or cypress chips.
• Avoid piling mulch higher than 5cm and keep it at least 15cm away from the foundation.

3. Avoid Disturbing the Barrier

• When digging or installing features near your home, consult a professional to avoid disrupting the termite barriers or termite baits
• If you must make changes to the soil, have the barrier reinspected and retreated if necessary.

4. Design Thoughtfully

• Direct irrigation systems away from the foundation to prevent excess moisture near the barrier.
• Install root barriers for large trees to prevent roots from encroaching on the termite barrier.
• Look for termite reticulation pipes and take care not to damage them

What to Do if the Barrier is Compromised

If landscaping work or natural processes have disturbed your termite barrier, it’s essential to act quickly:

• Schedule an Inspection: A professional termite inspection can identify vulnerabilities and determine if termites have breached the barrier.
• Reinforce the Barrier: Physical barriers may need repairs, while chemical barriers may require retreatment or a top up to restore effectiveness.
• Monitor Regularly: Routine termite inspections help ensure your barrier remains intact and your property protected.

Landscaping That Enhances Protection

With careful planning, landscaping can complement termite protection:

• Use gravel paths or decorative stones along the foundation as a dry zone that deters termites.
• Incorporate raised garden beds with sufficient clearance from the house.
• Regularly trim back vegetation to ensure adequate ventilation and reduce moisture buildup.

Landscaping doesn’t have to mean compromising your termite barrier.
By understanding how your yard design affects termite protection, you can enjoy a beautiful, pest-free home.
For expert termite advice or barrier maintenance, contact our team today.
Let us help you keep your home secure while achieving the landscape of your dreams.