CR-6428, Controlling Tree Roots in Sewer Lines …

1 If flow through the Sewer has stopped, call a it s just sluggish, you can restore the flow and preventfuture stoppage by using copper sulfate will kill not only Roots growing in thesewer line but also the organisms which produce offen-sive odors. Copper sulfate will require several days toseveral weeks to work, although spectacular results aresometimes obtained when a rapid breakdown of theorganisms within the root mass is achieved and flow isquickly Roots in contact with or immersed in coppersulfate solution absorb copper for a short distance intothe root system. Use of this treatment has yet to causethe loss of a tree or shrub. Apparently the absorbativefunction of the Roots is destroyed before toxic coppertravels very far.

2 This results in only local killing is no leaf discoloration when used as follows. Infact, copper-lined containers are routinely used forgrowing tree copper sulfate crystals of medium size into thecommode or toilet stool in small amounts, about 1/2 cupat a time, followed by successive flushing of water untilthe crystals are carried outside the dwelling into thesewer line. Under NO circumstances should coppersulfate crystals be placed in sink or tub traps where theywill erode the light-weight metal pipes and cause would be wise to leave the house for the day smaller amounts of copper sulfate could beused two or three times a year to prevent stoppagewhere root invasion problems are similar treatment applies to homes with a septictank and absorption sulfate has been added to septic tanks intests without harming the bacterial action in the (2) pounds of copper sulfate is recommended fora three-hundred (300) gallon tank.

3 This can be re-peated at least twice a year, if necessary. Some of thecopper sulfate added through the toilet bowl shouldreach the lateral Lines in the absorption field. However,much of the copper sulfate will settle with the solids inthe septic better treatment of the lateral Lines can be accom-plished if copper sulfate is added to the distribution boxwhere the lateral Lines are connected to the septic systems do not have this contaminating drinking water of animals,especially sheep, with copper be most effective, copper sulfate should beadded to the Sewer at the first indication of root entranceinto the system whether your house plumbing is con-nected to a Sewer line or a septic tank.

4 A small amountadded each day for a two-week period would probablybe more effective than a large amount all at sulfate can be obtained from drug stores orgarden read and reread all the labelsbefore application. The applicator is li-able for any harm to the information given herein is for educational purposes only. Ref-erences made to commercial products or trade names are with theunderstanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsementis tree Roots in Sewer Lineswith Copper SulfatePaul J. MitchellMichael A. SchnelleProfessorAssistant ProfessorExtension Ornamental HorticulturistExtension Ornamental Floriculture SpecialistDivision of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Oklahoma State UniversityCR-64280592 Current State Cooperative Extension Service does not discriminate because of race, color, sex, or national origin in its programs and activities, and is an equal opportunity employer.

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