- Thuja - shallow roots or deep roots?
- The roots of the thuja do not like transplanting
- Underplant thuja
- Dig up thuja roots
When planting thuja or arborvitae as a single tree or hedge in the garden, the root system plays a major role. In order to find the right location, it is important to know whether Thuja is shallow-rooted or deep-rooted.
Thujen belong to the flat roots
Thuja - shallow roots or deep roots?
- Thuja = shallow roots
- spreading root system
- Root depth up to one meter and more
- Keep away from sidewalks
The tree of life is a shallow root. This means you usually don't have to worry about the roots damaging utility lines underground.
Depending on the size and age of the thuja, the root depth is up to one meter. The roots spread out like a plate. They are very fine at the edges and therefore easy to break off.
You should keep a sufficient planting distance from sidewalks and terraces. Over time, the roots can lift sidewalk slabs or damage floor coverings.
The roots of the thuja do not like transplanting
Once a thuja has been planted, it is reluctant to be transplanted again. The root system resents strong interventions. Therefore, think carefully about whether the planned location is really suitable.
If replanting is unavoidable, this will only be successful with very young arborvitae. Here the roots are not so pronounced and can be dug up relatively undamaged.
Underplant thuja
Due to the wide branching, it is very difficult for other plants to find enough space for their own root development. Only smaller plants with little root system such as summer flowers have a chance here.
Dig up thuja roots
The extensive root system makes it very difficult to dig up a thuja hedge. You'll need to dig at least three feet deep and wide around the tree to get the roots all the way out of the ground.
If the hedge is to be completely removed, it is worthwhile, at least for older thujas, to commission a gardening company to do this work. The experts have the necessary equipment and dispose of the remains of the trees of life at the same time.
tips
If you don't want to do the work of digging up the roots of the thuja hedge, you can leave them in the ground. They rot in the ground, although that takes a long time. But they will not drive out again.