Is the walnut tree shallow or deep rooting? What should be considered in this context when planting? These are frequently asked questions regarding the root of the walnut tree. In this guide we answer these "FAQs".
The walnut is one of the taproots
Walnut tree is taproot
The walnut is a deep-rooted tree with a taproot. This means:
- The root of the walnut tree penetrates deep into the earth.
- She does this like a pole.
Here is a general definition of taproot: It is a root that develops from radicle to main root and grows vertically into the ground (earth). Lateral roots of the first order arise from the taproot. These go diagonally or horizontally from the taproot.
The taproot is therefore part of a heterogeneous root system. In technical jargon one speaks of allorhizie.
Note: The taproot of the walnut tree is extremely strong. It clearly surpasses the lateral roots in terms of length and diameter.
Excursus: Characteristics of shallow roots
To understand the difference between deep and shallow roots, here is a brief explanation of the latter:
A shallow root is a plant (like a tree…) with roots that don't dig very deep into the ground. The exact opposite is the case. The roots spread out in the form of a plate in the upper soil layers.
Examples of shallow roots:
- many spruce species
- Banks pine
- douglas fir
- hornbeam
- pastures
Interesting: If the soil conditions are poor, flat-rooted plants will not find optimal footing, which in turn endangers them from windthrow in strong storms. But: If the soil is suitable and/or there are suitable rocks nearby, shallow-rooted plants often develop good root systems and grow on whole rocks. Then they are stable in most cases.
Walnut tree as heart roots
In part, the walnut tree is also considered a heart root. This is a kind of intermediate form.
The root of a Herzwurzlers is characterized by a compact growth and few but strong lateral roots as well as a hemispherical growth habit.
Practical tips
What does the root type of the walnut tree mean in practice?
The root system of a walnut tree assumes similarly expansive proportions as the crown. For this reason, it is elementary when planting to leave sufficient distance to buildings (including basement rooms).
Note: Some hobby gardeners have had the experience that the roots of their walnut have "bored" completely through the outer wall of the basement. You should absolutely avoid such blasting of the masonry. So plan at least twelve to 15 meters away from houses when you plant your walnut.
If your walnut tree is in a strategically unfavorable place, you must try to dig up the plant and transplant it.
tips
It can be logically deduced that the walnut tree has developed into a deep rooter. It originally comes from arid regions. In order to be able to fill up with enough water, the walnut had to go deep into the earth. Thanks to this deep rooting, a walnut tree is nowadays able to cope with longer periods of drought everywhere.