Tree Health: The Root of the Issue

Every time you admire a tree it is not likely you thought about its roots. However, healthy trees only exist with a strong root structure. When a tree is planted you can watch the tree grow and change over time. Because roots are not always visible, they’re sometimes forgotten. However, caring for roots is very important.

The Root of all Healthy Trees

Tree Health: The Root of the Issue

Roots need three things to grow and be healthy, they are:

Out of these three, only one can be controlled by the novice and that is water. With soil, it gets a bit tricky because the soil needs to have the right compaction level. This is also known as “void spaces” within the soil. The compaction level determines how well the roots can penetrate the soil. Expert arborists in Ontario can help with soil problems and identify the best places to grow trees on your property.

The Secret life of Roots

Tree Health: The Root of the Issue

Botanists and gardeners debated for a long time whether roots should grow downward or in a horizontal trajectory. Lately, it is more or less accepted that roots do not have to grow straight down, or vertically, into the soil in order to do their job. It is now accepted that some roots growing in a more horizontal trajectory are still capable of keeping the tree upright and safe.

Root Growth

Tree Health: The Root of the Issue

Root growth and the time of year when it happens depends on the type of tree, soil condition, and weather. Generally, tree roots grow the most in late spring and early summer. Sometimes, roots will have a growth spurt in the early part of autumn. In areas where snowfall and sub-zero temperatures are common, roots will not grow when the mercury falls below freezing. Basically, root growth slows as soil temperature drops.

If you want to keep your trees and roots healthy, call Dave Lund Tree Services for expert tree care: (905) 884-0511.