Myths & Realities About Tree Roots

by Build Your Own Home · 4 comments

in Landscaping

Myth: Tree roots can grow as deeply as the crown is tall

Reality: Most tree roots grow within 3 feet of the soil surface.

Myth: A tree’s root zone extends only as far as the edge of the canopy.

Reality: Tree roots can extend far beyond the tree’s crown and occupy anywhere from two to ten times the area beneath the canopy.

Myth: In forest settings, roots of adjacent trees are separate from one another.

Reality: Roots of trees in forest stands overlap and commingle, forming a dense mat.

Myth: Tree root systems form a circle around the canopy.

Reality: Root growth is highly opportunistic, creating very asymmetrical forms.

Myth: Roots seek out water and mineral elements

Reality: Only the small, fine, short-lived roots function in this manner.

Myth: Trees have large taproots that anchor them to the ground.

Reality: Few mature trees possess a significant taproot.

Myth: Tree roots grow independently of other soil organisms.

Reality: Roots of forest trees coexist with many types of fungi, bacteria, forming mycorrhizal associations.

Myth: Root growth only occurs during the spring and fall.

Reality: Tree roots grow any time soil temperature is above the range of 32 to 40 degrees F. In irrigated landscapes, the peak period of root growth is mid summer.

Source: Trees and Development

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

jennifer September 3, 2011 at 4:49 pm

Tree Removal Advise – Reasons Employ A Tree Removal Service

Sue B September 8, 2011 at 1:19 am

Since you only have the one tree, rent a chainsaw, or hire someone else to cut it and take it.

One precaution on using a saw is: not forcing it to cut, but let it do thing. It can kick back and you could end up with a bad cut to the face or leg.
IF you rent one, make sure they have the blade already filed for you, but you may also have to buy a file to keep it sharp if a big assed tree

Twitter Pam September 8, 2011 at 1:52 am

Things you should do whenever you are hiring tree removal specialist….

artemisf125 October 7, 2011 at 11:06 am

Right even before you hang them in the tree XD

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