Isn't it amazing how tall a pine tree can grow. Her crown rises meters high into the sky. But the tree that you can see on the surface of the earth is far from everything. As you view the trunk and crown lined with needles, an extensive root system extends beneath you.
The roots of the pine go deep into the ground
The pine- a deep rooter
The pine is a deep rooter. Their roots reach deep into the ground to provide themselves with groundwater and nutrients. However, the exact length of the root depth always depends on the development of the tree. Decisive factors include whether there are other pines in the vicinity and how much the pine has to adapt to the climatic conditions.
Different root systems on different soils
The root system of a pine varies with different soil conditions. Depending on its nature, the conifer forms the following roots:
- on heavy, loamy soils, the pine forms a central root
- on rocky or shallow soils, the pine forms a very branched, extensive and shallow root system
- on loose, deep soil, the pine forms a deep taproot
Optimum adaptation through the taproot
The taproot is characterized by its enormous root depth. It grows vertically into the ground and forms several root strands that branch off from the so-called radicula. The taproot is typical of conifers like the pine, making it a pioneer tree. This means that the pine can adapt to even the most extreme site conditions. Since a taproot reaches particularly deep into the earth, it gives the conifer enough support to grow in stormy places. Even in stony mountains, the pine can survive and reach the groundwater.
Pine roots make it difficult to change location
However, the extensive, deep root system also has disadvantages for both the gardener and himself. Because a change of location means a lot of effort for both. If your pine is more than five years old, transplanting is not recommended. At this point, the roots have already grown so large that the tree cannot be easily pulled out of the ground. Root strands have to be laboriously cut through with a spade. Remnants are likely to remain in the ground. During this work, the pine suffers great losses. The roots are missing at the new location. There is a risk of an undersupply, which could possibly cause the pine tree to collapse.