As we are coming into fall, trees are about to take center stage. The autumn colors draw everyone’s eyes. The canopies of trees all around will soon glow with reds, oranges, yellows, and purples.
But while the above-the-ground parts of your tree are getting all of the attention, what about their equally essential counterparts under the ground? Your tree’s root system is doing amazing work all year long to sustain the tree’s health and integrity.
Five Important Facts About Your Tree’s Root System
The roots truly are a system.
If you’ve ever had a chance to look at a tree’s roots, they are amazing. The different types of roots are interconnected and work together to support the tree. Each root has its job to perform, and they are all necessary.
Tree root systems are the tree’s anchor.
In addition to absorbing water and nutrients for the tree, the roots serve to keep the tree firmly tethered to the ground to help it withstand storms and droughts. Occasionally, roots will start to “girdle” or encircle the tree, rather than spread outward as they should. Girdling can lead to the tree toppling in a storm since it does not anchor the tree.
Most of the tree’s roots are in the top 18 inches of soil.
As massive as some trees can grow, and as vast as the root systems can be, the roots reside primarily in the top foot and a half of soil. Some trees also have tap roots which grow straight down from the tree.
Tree root systems rely on some types of fungi for survival.
We often hear of fungus diseases for trees, but there are also fungi that are necessary for the tree to remain healthy. These helpers aid in absorption, and amazingly, there is research suggesting that they also help trees communicate through their root systems.
Roots can also remove pollutants from the soil.
As the roots work to soak up water, they also help remove contaminants from the earth. Some studies show that farm water runoff is significantly less-polluted when it runs through a large grove of trees. Because of this, trees are a phenomenal part of our world. As beautiful as they are to look at, their health and vitality start in their roots. If you need an excellent tree care service or have questions about your tree’s root system, call Tampa Tree today, and we will be happy to help.
