Tree Roots| Root Types| Root Pruning| Tap Roots

Eric Frei · 9th April 2008, 09:59 PM

Excellent power points by Gilman on tree roots. Dispelling the tap root myth, how far to roots travel etc.

Roots in nursery 2mb

Roots in planting 1.7mb

Roots after planting 3.3mb

Also for the Aussie arborists the growth of root system of the giant Eucalyptus Regnans, Mountain ash.

The root and shoot development of Eucalyptus regnans

Quote:

During the first season, E. regnans develops a fairly strong tap-root, and later commences to produce a system of laterals. Seedling shoot growth is slow at first but increases rapidly. In the sapling stage, sinker roots develop from the laterals which extend far beyond the crown. Growth in height of the tree is very fast. During the pole stage, the conical crown is well developed, sinker roots become branched and the tap-root dies back. In the spar stage, the crown approaches maximum height and expands greatly. The sinker and lateral roots become very well developed. During the long mature stage, the fully elevated crowns become open and commence to die back. Buttresses are prominent and a complex system of sinker roots is present. Overmaturity is marked by a very large trunk epicormic growth and progressive die-back of the central area of both crown and roots.

On warmer and drier aspects the root systems of seedlings and pole stage trees appear to be less well developed than on the cooler and moister aspects. On steep slopes, the root systems of pole stage trees may develop asymetrically. Layering of prostrate trees may occur on southerly slopes and root fusion between trees is relatively common. In swamps, vertical roots are short and trees are very unstable.

Pornaderris aspera, one of the more common understorey species, develops a shallower and less spreading root system than E. regnans. In the early stages the lateral roots of both species are shallow and occupy the same soil zones; competition for moisture and nutrients is therefore likely to be very intense.

Eric Frei · 9th April 2008, 10:34 PM

Also discussing salinity I found some documentation and have it here in this post on the salinity thread but confirms the lack of tap roots.

clementine · 10th April 2008, 12:05 AM

I read through the 3 root information guides and found them most enlightening.

I can see why my Peach was in trouble clearly from the information provided.
It was a few inches too deep in its planting pot which was only 6 inches diameter and about 8 inches deep, far too small for the age of the tree. Not knowing at the time (no excuse) any different I went straight ahead and planted it with all its problems still intact.

I feel confident now, however, of spotting these problems prior to purchase/planting of any future prospects for the garden. I also understand the correct planting methods explained.

Many Thanks

Eric Frei · 18th November 2010, 11:50 AM

How roots navigate around obstacles in the soil

9th April 2008, 10:34 PM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,792	Re: Tree Roots\| Root Types\| Root Pruning\| Tap Roots Also discussing salinity I found some documentation and have it here in this post on the salinity thread but confirms the lack of tap roots. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

10th April 2008, 12:05 AM	#3
clementine Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 509	Re: Tree Roots\| Root Types\| Root Pruning\| Tap Roots I read through the 3 root information guides and found them most enlightening. I can see why my Peach was in trouble clearly from the information provided. It was a few inches too deep in its planting pot which was only 6 inches diameter and about 8 inches deep, far too small for the age of the tree. Not knowing at the time (no excuse) any different I went straight ahead and planted it with all its problems still intact. I feel confident now, however, of spotting these problems prior to purchase/planting of any future prospects for the garden. I also understand the correct planting methods explained. Many Thanks __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons - for you are crunchy and taste of chicken!

18th November 2010, 11:50 AM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,792	Re: Tree Roots\| Root Types\| Root Pruning\| Tap Roots How roots navigate around obstacles in the soil __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

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