Oaks stand solid as a rock, no force can cut them down. Underneath, a powerful root system must be hidden that anchors the tree well to the earth. Let's take a closer look at this invisible part of the tree.

Oak trees have very deep roots

From radicle to taproot

Even the germinating acorn gives an idea of what the root system of a fully grown oak will look like. At home in the garden or in the forest we can meet them again and again in spring. A lonely long root sprout from inside the glans. If the seedling is given a chance to grow into a tree, this radicle will develop into what is known as a taproot.

The taproot of the oak

The taproot grows vertically into the ground, as does the
tribe does it above the earth. It is strong, long and mostly straight. If she encounters stiff resistance on her way down, she will use her strength to fight her way through or outgrow it.

The taproot of an oak can be as long as 40 m. In general, there seems to be a connection with above-ground growth, because the taproot of the oak tree usually goes as deep as the tree is tall.

Lateral roots

Although the taproot is the main root of the oak tree, it alone cannot support the tree. Therefore, over time, more and more root runners develop, which emanate laterally from the taproot.

They penetrate the environment over a large area so that they can absorb water and nutrients from everywhere. Just below the surface of the earth, their spread reaches a diameter similar to the treetop.

Benefits of a deep root

The deep and strong taproot of the oak tree has its right to exist because the tree depends on it.

  • it gives him a stable, storm-proof hold
  • the oak can grow taller
  • deeper water supplies are accessible
  • compacted layers of soil can be penetrated

Thanks to the taproot, the oak can also colonize dry areas where trees with shallow root systems would die of thirst.

A fatal disadvantage

The oak tree cannot exist without a healthy taproot. The problem, however, is that she only has one of them. A reserve root is not available in case the taproot is damaged.

  • damaged taproot is a major weak point
  • the tree is not adequately cared for
  • after a while this can lead to death

tips

When buying a young oak tree, make sure it has a healthy taproot. As a guarantee of life, it must also be treated carefully when planting so that it does not break off.

"Uprooting" not advisable

Occasionally it happens that an owner wants to replant his oak tree or has to remove it from its current location. When planting a young oak tree, the space requirement of an ever-growing oak tree is criminally underestimated.

The old adage that you don't replant an old tree is true here. In order not to damage the taproot, you would have to dig very, very, very deep. An impossibility, or at least a lot of effort and expense.

food for the roots

As a deep rooter, every oak species searches for nutrients in areas where it does not have to fear much competition. Therefore, a healthy tree does not have to be fertilized. It is enough if the leaves that fell in the fall are left to rot around the trunk.

Category:

Trees