Trees have very different appearances: there are small trees, large trees, some with slender growth, some with a spherical or extremely spreading crown. The characteristic forms of appearance are largely determined by the root system of the tree. This in turn depends on the natural living environment of the tree. Heart, flat or deep roots: Each system has its own problems for garden trees. Read what you should look out for in deep-rooted trees.
Larches have roots up to two meters deep
What are deep rooters?
Deep-rooted trees form a main root that grows deep - up to ten meters or more, depending on the tree species. A few lateral roots branch off from this primary root, but they do not perform the same essential nutritional function as heart or flat roots. Compared to other root systems, deep-rooters have a number of advantages:
- Reaching water points deep in the earth
- Colonization of dry and cold locations possible
- Protection against windbreak / storm damage thanks to anchoring
- Deep roots do not damage foundations, paths and other structures
problem in the garden
But the strong advantage of a deep root, its taproot, can also be a disadvantage, especially in the garden. Due to their stability, deep-rooted plants can often grow very tall, after all, the tree is firmly anchored in the ground. Some sequoia species with heights of more than 100 meters are a good example of this. Many forest trees are also deep-rooted and sometimes reach heights of between 30 and 40 meters. But not only the sheer size can be a problem in the garden, but also the root itself. If the tree has to be moved, for example, the several meter deep root is difficult to dig up and involves a great deal of effort. Instead, it is often cut or otherwise damaged, so that the tree often dies afterwards.
Deep rooted trees
Typically, deep-rooted trees are mostly at home in dry regions, after all they have to reach the water layers, which are also very deep. However, some species only develop taproots when young, only to convert these into a heart root system when fully grown.
Yew (Taxus baccata)
Very popular in gardens, the yew is not only known for its toxicity, it is also a very deep rooter. The coniferous tree, which can grow up to 20 meters high, develops taproots that reach at least two meters deep, which can also reach much deeper depending on the location. In old age, many fine roots grow just below the surface.
Oak (Quercus)
Oak trees develop a strong root system that reaches about 30 to 40 centimeters deep into the ground. Nevertheless, they are considered difficult to transplant and often die in such an attempt.
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Although the ash tree can grow up to 40 meters high, its taproot reaches a maximum of one and a half meters into the ground. Ashes are among the tallest native trees in Germany.
pine (pinus)
With a root depth of up to ten meters, the pine is the classic deep rooter.
Larch (Larix)
Botanically speaking, the larches, which are up to 50 meters high, belong to the pine family. Their taproot can grow up to two meters deep.
Linden (Tilia)
The taproots of the linden trees also grow about two meters deep.
Black Locust / Mock Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Originally from North America, the black locust can grow up to 40 meters high, while its taproot digs up to three meters deep through the layers of soil.
Juniper (Juniperus)
Be careful when planting a juniper hedge: Juniperus develops taproots up to six meters deep, which are very difficult to remove.
tips
Some species, such as the walnut tree, only form taproots as young trees, only to later develop a shallow root system.