Why Are Tree Roots Important?
When most people think about trees, they think about the branches and leaves. However, tree roots are just as important as the rest of the tree. There’s a lot more to tree roots than just keeping the tree standing.
In fact, tree roots are vital to the overall health of the tree and play a number of important roles. Without healthy, strong roots, a tree can become diseased and may even die. In this guide, we will discuss the many reasons why tree roots are so important and how you can help keep your trees’ roots healthy and thriving.
What do tree roots look like?
Most tree roots are found in the upper 12 to 18 inches of soil. The large, primary roots of a tree are typically located close to the trunk of the tree and grow vertically downward. Smaller, secondary roots branch out from the primary roots and grow horizontally through the soil. The root system of a tree can spread out two to three times the diameter of the tree’s canopy.
When you think about a tree, you probably picture its trunk and branches with their leaves or needles. It is easy to overlook the hidden world below ground where the tree’s roots grow. But it is important to remember that while only half of a tree’s total biomass is below ground, the root system can extend beyond the drip line (the outer edge of branches) to three times the height of the tree.
What functions do tree roots perform?
To understand how tree roots are important, it is first necessary to know a little bit about how they work. The roots of a tree are not just one big, continuous mass. Instead, they are made up of many small, individual roots that spread out in all directions underground.
These small roots work together to anchor the tree into the ground and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The roots also store food for the tree and help to keep it stable during high winds or other severe weather conditions.
While all these functions are important, perhaps the most vital role that tree roots play is in providing oxygen to the trees. Trees need oxygen just like we do, and their roots are responsible for supplying them with this essential element.
The tiny pores on the roots take in air from the surrounding soil and transport it through the root system to the rest of the tree. If the roots are damaged or not functioning properly, the tree will not be able to get the oxygen it needs and will eventually die.
Why are tree roots so important?
Think of the roots as the tree’s lifeline and the reason for its overall health. Roots are the foundation of a tree’s structure. These are some of the reasons tree roots are important:
Help provide structural support
The first thing that one thinks of when it comes to roots is that they provide support for the tree. While this is true, it actually only accounts for about 25 percent of a tree’s root system. The rest of the tree’s root system is hidden underground, where it does most of its work.
Roots are very important because they provide the structural support that trees need and also help them get water and nutrients from the soil that they grow in. Trees use their roots to brace themselves against wind and other elements, making them more stable.
Absorbing water and minerals from the soil
Water and minerals are essential for a tree’s survival. Without these nutrients, the tree would not be able to grow or function properly. Trees absorb water and minerals through their roots from the soil that they grow in.
The roots take in these essential nutrients and transport them to the rest of the tree, where they are used for various functions such as growth, development, and sustenance. If the tree does not have enough nutrients in the soil, it will not be able to survive.
Storing food
In addition to taking in water and minerals from the soil, trees also use their roots to store food. The roots act like a pantry for the tree, storing food that the tree can use when it is not able to find food in the soil.
This is especially important during the winter months, when there is less food available in the ground. The roots will store up enough food during the summer and fall to keep the tree going throughout the winter.
Providing oxygen
As we mentioned earlier, one of the most important roles that tree roots play is in providing oxygen to the trees. The tiny pores on the roots take in air from the surrounding soil and transport it through the root system to the rest of the tree.
If the roots are damaged or not functioning properly, the tree will not be able to get the oxygen it needs and will eventually die.
Preserve water resources
One of the most important tree roots functions is to keep water in the ground, rather than letting it run off into rivers or streams. This way, plants and animals can take advantage of the natural supply of water available underground.
Reduce soil erosion
Another one of the tree roots’ benefits is that they help to reduce soil erosion. Soil erosion occurs when the top layer of soil is washed away by heavy rains or flooding.
This can be a major problem because it can lead to losing valuable topsoil, which takes years to form. Tree roots help to hold the soil in place and prevent it from being eroded away.
Help clean the air
In addition to supplying trees with oxygen, tree roots also help to clean the air around them. They do this by absorbing harmful pollutants and chemicals from the air and storing them in their roots.
Increase oxygen levels in the soil
Another environmental benefit of tree roots is that they help to increase oxygen levels in the soil. This is because the roots release a gas called oxygenase, which helps break down organic matter in the soil and releases oxygen.
This process is important because it helps to improve the overall health of the soil and makes it easier for plants and other organisms to breathe.
Store carbohydrates
Tree roots also play an important role in storing carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a type of sugar that trees use for energy.
During the fall, tree roots store carbohydrates in their root systems. This stored energy is then used by the tree during the winter months when food is scarce.
Protect against wildfires
Another benefit of tree roots is that they can help to protect trees from wildfires. The roots create a natural barrier around the tree that helps to prevent it from being engulfed in flames.
If you are interested in protecting your trees from wildfires, it is important to make sure that their roots are healthy and strong.
Tips for keeping your tree roots healthy
Healthy roots are essential for a healthy tree, which is why it is so important to take care of them. There are a few things you can do to help keep your tree roots healthy:
- Water your trees regularly and deeply. This will help encourage deep root growth and prevent shallow rooting.
- Mulch your trees regularly. Mulching helps to keep the soil moist and prevents it from eroding, which can damage the roots.
- Avoid compacting the soil around your trees with heavy equipment or by driving over it. This will prevent the roots from growing deep into the ground.
- Keep an eye on your trees for any signs of disease or distress and address any problems quickly.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your tree’s roots are healthy and thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you kill the roots?
No, you cannot kill the roots of a tree. The roots are necessary for the tree to live and grow.
Do I need to water the tree if its roots are in the ground?
The amount of water that a tree needs depends on the species of tree, how hot it is, how dry it is, how windy it is, and how much water is in the soil. However, most trees do not need to be watered if their roots are in the ground.
How deep do tree roots go?
The depth of a tree’s roots depends on the species of tree, the type of soil, and how much moisture is in the soil. Generally, though, tree roots can go down several feet into the ground.
What happens if I damage the roots?
Damaging a tree’s roots can harm or even kill the tree. The extent of the damage will depend on how severe it is and what kind of root system the tree has.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tree roots are important for many reasons. They help to anchor the tree in the ground, absorb water and nutrients from the soil, and store food for the tree. Trees with strong and healthy roots are more resistant to wind damage, drought, and pests. So next time you see a tree, take a moment to appreciate all that its roots are doing for it.
If you have any questions about trees or root systems, be sure to ask a certified arborist.