When you plant a tree, you must understand that a tree is a two part system consisting of a visible canopy and an invisible root system. Many peoples focus only on the visible canopy, but the invisible root system is a critical part of the tree because the root system determine if the tree survives environmental conditions. A tree use its root system to find stability and to find moisture in the soil.
Because a tree is a living organism, the root system will continue to growing and change throughout the life of the tree. Different tree species has different root system, and these root systems grow in different direction. Some tree species grow a single taproot that move vertically deep into the soil, and this taproot helps the tree find stability and moisture deep in the ground.
Know Tree Roots Before You Plant
Other tree species grow a wide and shallow root system that stay near the surface of the soil, and this shallow root system help the tree collect rain from the topsoil. You must identify the root system of a tree species before you plant the tree, because the root system of a tree species will determine how many space the tree need. If you dont consider the root system, a tree might grow roots that damage you property or a tree might fall over during a storm because the roots do not provide enough stability.
The soil is not a uniform substance, but different layer make the soil that serve different functions. The top layer of the soil often contains organic matter and provides a place for fine feeder roots to grow. The layer below the top layer is the topsoil, and the topsoil is where most tree species find the nutrient they need for growth.
Below the topsoil is the subsoil, and below the subsoil is the parent material or bedrock. A trees root system will occupy specific layers of the soil depending on the type of root system the tree have. For example, a tree with a taproot will grow into the subsoil, but a tree with a fibrous root system will stay in the top layer of the soil.
You must provide enough space for the root system of a tree, because a tree requires space both above the ground and below the ground. Some trees, such as walnut trees, has root system that grow very deep into the ground, but other trees, such as birch trees or spruce trees, have root system that stay near the surface of the ground. You must avoid planting a tree with a wide root system near a sidewalk, because a wide root system will eventually cause the sidewalk to crack and heave.
You must also keep a distance between a tree and your house foundation, because the roots of a tree will grow toward moisture. If you plant a tree too close to a water main or a sewer line, the roots of the tree may cause damage to the pipe. When you plant a tree, you must place the tree in the ground correctly so that the tree do not die.
You must not bury the root flare, because the root flare is the area where the trunk widen at the base of the tree. If you pack soil too high around the trunk and cover the root flare, the soil will suffocate the tree and the tree may develop rot. Additionally, you should dig a hole that is wide rather than just a hole that is deep.
A wide hole is important because a wide hole allow the lateral roots to grow into the soil without hit compacted soil. If you plan for the root system of a tree, the tree will be more successful and the tree will grow a healthy canopy.