Understanding Tree Roots: How Deep They Grow and How to Protect Them

It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of a tree, from its majestic greenery to its outstretched limbs. However, what lies beneath the ground is equally important.

Understanding a tree’s root system is essential when it comes to promoting and maintaining its overall health and stability. Knowing facts about tree root depth, and how to support and protect root growth prove invaluable not only for the tree itself, but also for its surrounding environment.

How Deep Do Tree Roots Grow?

Most tree roots are concentrated in the top 6 to 24 inches of soil and can spread two to four times the diameter of the tree’s crown. Several factors influence tree root depth such as:

Tree Species: A tree’s genetics can determine what its root system will potentially look like. For example, trees on the larger end of the spectrum are known to have deeper roots, and the root distribution of shade trees can be shallow. However, soil conditions are eventually the deciding factor.

Soil: Soil types each have their own properties. Trees planted in soil with proper aeration and dependable moisture content helps promote deeper root growth. The same goes for soil with higher nutrient content. However, if the soil is compacted, waterlogged, or not aerated well, its oxygen levels will be lower and make for more shallow roots. And physical barriers such as building foundations and bedrock can cause roots to grow sideways instead of deeper into the ground.

Climate: Drier climates typically cause trees to have deeper roots, because they’re seeking water sources. On the other hand, trees growing in wetter climates tend to have more shallow roots as they stay closer to damp or waterlogged surfaces.

Keeping Tree Roots Healthy

The following are some basic tips to help promote tree root health and growth.

Mulching and Soil Care: Grab some organic mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, and spread a 2 to 4-inch layer around the base of the tree without touching the trunk. Proper mulching helps regulate soil temperature and moisture and can improve soil health and structure.

Watering: Watering your trees is one of the most important parts of keeping them healthy, but it can be tricky to say exactly how much water they need due to climate and other factors. Keeping the soil moist to a depth that includes the entire root system is known as deep watering. This can assist in speeding up the root establishment. However, too much water can harm a tree. A good rule of thumb is making sure that damp soil is allowed to dry for a short period of time so enough oxygen can permeate the soil.

Protecting Tree Roots: Trees are unable to thrive if their soil is compacted. Mulch can help discourage foot traffic underneath the tree canopy, which should be kept to a minimum. Exposed roots shouldn’t be cut. Doing so could result in destabilizing the tree and making it susceptible to disease. Make sure to protect the tree’s root system during any construction project by fencing off the root zone.

Let Us Help Your Tree’s Root System Thrive

If you have questions regarding your tree’s root system, call Premier Tree at 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Winter Tree Care Made Simple: Steps for a Healthy Spring

Winter brings plenty of distractions, from the holiday bustle to limited daylight. But we can’t let them deter us from keeping an eye on our trees as the season shifts. Winter tree care is important for protecting trees from harsh weather, preventing property damage, and preparing trees for spring.

The good news is that basic cold weather tree care is fairly simple. Consider bundling up and following these winter tree care tips before the frigid temps close in.

Tree Care Tips for Winter

Beat the Freeze and Water: Keep a good eye on the weather report and water your trees before cold snaps. A thorough watering helps tree roots, especially those belonging to younger trees, stay hydrated during the winter. Make sure temperatures are higher than 40 degrees and schedule your watering during the middle of the day, which will give the water time to soak in before the soil potentially freezes overnight.

Time to Mulch: A little mulch can be like a warm blanket for chilly tree roots. Adding a layer of mulch around a tree’s base helps insulate the roots, keep the soil moist, and protect against freezing. Whenever you mulch near a tree, always keep it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid any moisture buildup or pest problems.

Say No to Frost and Sunscald: Young and/or sensitive trees need some extra protection from Jack Frost. Just before freezing temperatures drop, cover these trees with a lightweight fabric, such as burlap or frost cloth, which can serve as a shield. You can also use that same type of material to wrap the trunks of young trees in an effort to stop sunscald and frost cracks. Stay away from plastic, because it can trap moisture and overheat in the sun.

Watch for Dead or Diseased Branches: Winter storms often cause dead or damaged branches. Any time of year is a good time to remove these possible hazards. Additionally, removal can stop the spread of potential disease. Your friends at Premier Tree Solutions are always on hand to offer expert removal services.

Major Pruning Can Wait: Again, diseased or dead branches can be removed anytime. Postpone major pruning until late winter or early spring. This allows you to see the full extent of any winter weather damage and prepare the tree for the impending growing season. When the time is right, Premier Tree Solutions can provide expert pruning.

Chill Out and Call Premier Tree Solutions

Let Premier Tree Solutions assist with any winter tree care-related issues. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.