- Beeches have a heart root
- Old beeches cannot be transplanted
- Maintain sufficient planting distance
- The roots of the beech do not tolerate waterlogging
Over time, beeches get very spreading roots. Therefore, caution is required when choosing a location. The trees cannot be replanted later. What you should know about the roots of the beech.
Beech roots spread very much
Beeches have a heart root
- heart root
- shallow roots
- pronounced root system
The shape of the root of a beech tree is called the heart root. It forms a strong middle section that grows downwards. Many secondary roots develop on the sides, which grow many meters over the years. They run relatively flat underground.
The root system spreads so much that it is not necessary to fertilize an older beech. Only young beeches need occasional fertilizer at first.
Old beeches cannot be transplanted
It is not advisable to transplant an older beech. Over the years it has developed such a strong root system that it is not possible to get the roots out of the ground undamaged. The beech would die from transplanting.
With a bit of luck, young beeches can be transplanted before the roots have spread too far.
When removing a beech, it is not enough to saw off the beech. The roots must also be dug up carefully. Otherwise the root remains will sprout again.
Maintain sufficient planting distance
Since the side roots of a beech tree only run about 50 to 70 centimeters underground, they pose a danger to masonry, roads and utility lines.
The roots become very strong over time, damaging buildings and walls, lifting sidewalk slabs, and crushing water and other pipes.
When planting the beech, a sufficient planting distance should therefore be maintained, which is ideally around 15 meters.
The roots of the beech do not tolerate waterlogging
Beech roots are sensitive. They can only spread unhindered in loose soil without compaction.
The soil must always be slightly moist. In no case should the roots dry out. Waterlogging is even worse. A short time is enough for the roots to rot through moisture.
tips
Hornbeams also have heart roots. In contrast to the beech, however, they have very deep roots, so that they can be planted close to walls, roads and supply lines without any problems.