The growth of the roots of maple trees determines the correct planting and care in many ways. Find out here whether maples thrive as shallow or deep roots. Benefit from our tips on how to expertly include root growth in cultivation.

The maple is a heart root

Maple Tree - Heart-rooted with shallow, far-reaching root strands

A flat, near-surface growth is characteristic of the root system of all maple species. With increasing age, fast-growing, native species form a strong taproot. In cross-section, the root system is reminiscent of a heart shape with plate-like spread to the sides.

Thanks to meticulous records kept by scientists, we now have reliable data on the extensive root growth of maple trees:

  • In normal garden soil after 5-10 years: root depth 1.40 m - horizontal spread 2.10 m
  • In gravelly-sandy loam after 70 years: root depth 1.10 to 1.40 m - horizontal spread 3.05 m
  • In permeable gravel after 60 years: root depth 0.60 m - horizontal spread 2.55 m

Keeping the spread of the roots in check - this is how it works

As the root growth data shows us, the root system spreads far more in width than in depth. To prevent the root strands of fast-growing maple species, such as Norway maple or sycamore maple, from conquering your garden, draw the line with a root barrier. To do this, line the planting pit 50 cm deep with an impenetrable geotextile (€107.71). The edge should protrude 5 to 10 cm above the ground so that the strands near the surface do not find their way over the root barrier.

Proper watering promotes deep growth - this is how it works

Matching the water supply to the shallow root system will encourage your maple to grow more deeply. You can do this by not watering every 1 to 2 days when it is dry in summer. Instead, water deeply once or twice a week by running the water hose for 20 to 40 minutes.

tips

If a maple Globosum shines in all its glory in the middle of the lawn, the flat roots sometimes come into conflict with the lawnmower. You have the following options to solve the problem: a nice underplanting, replacing the lawn in the root area with bark mulch or lawn grids.

Category:

Trees