Root types and depths
Basically every plant species belongs to a certain root type. However, it is not possible to predict how deep the roots of a particular tree will actually reach, as their growth depends on several factors. The root depth depends, among other things, on the soil layers in which there are water and nutrients. For this reason, trees often take very deep roots in nutrient-poor and / or dry soils. Furthermore, the soil compaction has a major influence on the root depth - the firmer the soil, the shallower the tree roots grow, even with pronounced deep roots. This in turn is the reason why the soil should first be thoroughly loosened and, if necessary, improved before a tree is planted.
also read
- Remove the ivy and its roots
- How to remove privet roots - tips and tricks
- Remove the roots of the thuja hedge - that's how it's done!
Shallow roots
Shallow roots are plants whose roots spread out like a fan just below the surface. These roots do not extend deeply or only a little, but the widely branched system can grow several meters in width. Typical shallow roots are, for example, thuja, false cypress, cypress, Douglas fir, hemlock and sickle fir, as well as the native spruce.
Deep and heart roots
The roots of a deep root can, depending on the species and location, reach many meters in depth. Many tree species develop a strong taproot, which makes later transplanting difficult. These include the pine and the fir. Deep-rooted conifer species without tap roots, on the other hand, are yew, juniper and cedar. Incidentally, heart roots are trees that develop a rather deep, yet compact root system. This includes the larch.
Remove the conifer and its roots - that's how it works
In contrast to many deciduous tree species, the removal of a conifer and its roots is not a complicated matter, as the root system does not have to be removed as a whole - conifers usually do not sprout from the rhizome; instead, the roots that have remained in place gradually rot. It is best to do the following:
- Saw off the tree, but leave a piece of the trunk.
- Now pierce the roots all around with a sharp spade.
- Now dig a trench in the same place, deep as a blade.
- Loosen the roots with a digging fork.
- Use the same to pry out the remains of the trunk including the roots.
Tips
Before you can replant the area that has become free, you need to replace the soil: The site has often become acidic over the years and is therefore unusable for many garden plants.
