Tree Care FAQs: Roots

Roots play an essential role in the health of a tree. Without a strong and stable root system, a tree’s health can quickly decline. The roots take on many different jobs to support the tree, which includes:

• create a solid foundation  
• transport nutrients throughout the tree from the soil 
• store nutrients for winter or dormant seasons 

This article will discuss 3 tree care FAQs that will help you maintain your tree’s root system to ensure its health and survival throughout the seasons.  

Fact #1: Root Decay 

Root decay can take place for two main reasons. The first is that different types of fungi can create decay within the root system, ultimately causing harm to the whole tree. Another reason is that if the soil becomes over-saturated with water for an extended period, it can cause the roots not to obtain oxygen. It creates a breeding ground for bacteria to grow.  

If you do not treat thise issue on time, you risk losing the entire tree. The decay can also spread to the roots of nearby trees. How do you spot decaying roots, you may ask? Some of the signs include: 

• small leaves
• decaying branches 
• wilted or brown leaves
• lack of healthy new growth

Fact #2: Room to Grow 

During a tree’s life, the root system underground need rooms to grow and thrive. There are a lot of misconceptions that the roots grow deep into the ground vertically. However, even though most trees do have a large cluster of roots below the trunk. Most of the roots grow out horizontal to the tree and remain close to the top of the soil to collect water, nutrients, and oxygen.  

Depending on the tree’s size, you have you need to make sure to give the roots enough space to grow out and around the tree. If the roots do not have enough room, they won’t get the nutrients they need to survive. 

Fact #3: Roots Absorb What is in the Soil 

It is essential to be careful of fertilizer and chemical runoff that may affect your tree. Pesticides, fertilizer, and other chemicals can seep into the soil and be soaked up by a tree’s root system. If these are harmful to the tree, it can affect its future growth and survival. 

Unfortunately, you may not realize this until the damage is already done because the tree may not show signs of root damage until it is too late to treat the issue. 

Tree Care FAQs: Conclusion 

Making sure you follow these 3-tree care FAQs is essential for its health. Things such as decay, lack of room to grow, and chemicals can affect the roots and harm the tree creating irreversible damage if you’re interested in planting new trees on your property and don’t know where. Contact us today, and our professional arborist will be there to help you pick the perfect spot.