All About Roots
All About Roots
- Fun fact- Roots grow towards water resource.
- Fun Fact-Most roots will die over time after stumps are grinded & won’t allow any new growth to occur. Aggressive species such as Pepper Trees will need an herbicide in order to kill roots & potential new growth.
One of the main purpose of roots is to deliver water and minerals to the tree. It is important that the roots have the right amount of water to help the tree prosper. Lack of water can cause root loss, marginal leaf scorch, leaf drop, twig dieback, & death. Too much water, causing it to be saturated, can lead to root death due to lack of oxygen. It can also cause leaf yellowing, defoliation, crown dieback, and root rot. If either one of these occurs, the roots won’t be able to feed the tree. Ideally it would be best if you create a water budget to manage the amount of water your tree needs. Also, it is best that you give the root zone a deep soaking, periodically, allowing the roots to be deeper in the soil. Surface roots typically occur due to shallow/lack of watering.
Another purpose for roots is that they serve as an anchor for the trees. When they are deeply rooted, it makes the tree more stable. The healthier the root system is, the stronger it will be, helping with wind resistance & any flash floods.
Roots serve as a food storage during winter time. As trees normally go dormant during the winter, they aren’t able to make as much food. The more defoliation that occurs to the tree & dieback will cause the loss in food and nutrients. As a backup, the roots pull more minerals from the soil, providing food back into the canopy. In order to have a healthy tree, you need to have healthy soil.
Fungi & roots have a symbiotic relationship. I know when we hear Fungi, typically it is thought of in a negative way. However, fungi are a sign of healthy soil. When roots start to decompose, it feeds the fungi. The more microorganisms/fungi that is in the soil, the more food it can provide to the roots to give to the tree. Best way to help maintain a healthy soil and assist with good Fungi is to have a healthy layer of organic matter such as mulch (real mulch, undyed), bark, manure, etc.
A large misconception is that roots have the ability to breakthrough pipes. The tip of the roots is not strong enough to break through any pipes, initially. Usually if you find roots in a pipe, it means that pipe is already damaged. It could just be a slight hole in the pipe. What happens is the pipe starts to leak water and the roots will gravitate towards that water resource. It will find its way in through the hole/crack and from there it will grow. As the roots get bigger, it will eventually cause more damage to the pipe, eventually breaking it.
Did you know compacted roots are a leading cause of a tree declining? It impedes growth, reduction of water occurs, & suffocation. Once compaction has happened it is difficult to correct. The best way to assist the roots in this situation is by aerating the soil (loosening up the soil). That will open up the macropores in the soil allowing oxygen, water, & minerals to get back to the roots.
If you have questions on your trees overall health and or roots it is important that you call experts such as Tree Service Express, INC. and schedule an arborist consultation. We will be able to evaluate and give you advice and potentially a solution. Don’t wait last minute to call when your tree is fully declined and no hope in saving it.
