- The cherry laurel - a deep rooter or shallow rooter?
- The roots adapt to the environment
- tips and tricks
In addition to the characteristic shape, the soil conditions are largely responsible for the root depth that the laurel cherry reaches. In this article you will learn interesting details about the lifelines of the evergreen shrub.
The cherry laurel - a deep rooter or shallow rooter?
Trees belonging to the flat-root group have their roots directly below the surface of the earth. In the case of the deep-rooted or taprooted plants, the long main roots often protrude several meters into the earth. Due to the plate-shaped spread of the roots, shallow-rooted plants are significantly more vulnerable to storms than firmly anchored deep-rooted plants.
Here are some examples of the two specific root forms:
| shallow roots | deep rooter |
|---|---|
| Spruce | fir |
| birch | juniper |
| vinegar tree | Oak |
| Thuja | pine |
Because of its root shape, however, the laurel cherry cannot be assigned to any of these root types.
The laurel cherry is a heart root
Unlike these trees, the cherry laurel is a heart root. The root system of the laurel cherry consists of various strong main roots, which not only run vertically but in all directions.
In the case of a cherry laurel offshoot, a deep-reaching taproot forms first. Several main roots with strong lateral roots later grow out of this. This results in the typical heart shape in the cross section of the roots.
As a bush that thrives in its original home in the shade of sparse forests, the cherry laurel is forced to assert itself against other trees and shrubs. Since the roots of the laurel cherry do not reach as deep as those of the deep-rooted plants and do not grow as shallow as those of the shallow-rooted plants, the plant ensures its optimal supply of nutrients.
The roots adapt to the environment
Since plants are living creatures that can adapt very well to the existing conditions, the growth form of the root system can vary somewhat. The roots always develop in the direction in which the cherry laurel finds enough nutrients. In dry regions, the laurel cherry can develop very deep roots in order to be able to absorb sufficient water.
tips and tricks
In order for the cherry laurel to thrive, the soil around the bushes should be carefully loosened from time to time. The fine root system is very sensitive to surface compaction and waterlogging. A bark mulch layer about ten centimeters thick is ideal, which helps to loosen and improve the soil.