A root protective barrier includes a sidewall and a base. The sidewall includes a plurality of crisscrossing rods defining openings therebetween. The sidewall further includes an upper edge defining a top opening and a lower edge defining a bottom opening. The base includes a plurality of crisscrossing rods defining openings therebetween. The base further includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer edge. The lower edge of the sidewall is coupled to the upper surface of the base so that the base covers the bottom opening. The root protective barrier is made of a polymer, such as a plastic, so that the root protective barrier does not degrade over time.