Tree roots (Flickr Explore award).
I am fascinated by some of the Tree roots I come across on my walks. Especially when you can see them above the surface like these. They are the veins that provide all the nutrients and water the tree requires, but much more.
There are five types of Tree roots, each of them developing at different stages of the Tree’s life:
1.Tap roots: Every tree starts with a tap root that provides stability and absorption. Over time, other roots outgrow the taproot. Most taproots don’t continue to grow ever more deeply because deep soils lack the oxygen and nutrients that roots need to survive.
2.Lateral roots: Lateral roots grow outwards right under the soil surface. They absorb a lot of water and nutrients as well as anchoring the tree.
3.Oblique/heart roots: Oblique roots, also known as heart roots, grow at a diagonal and have the same function as lateral roots.
4.Sinker roots: Sinker roots grow downwards from the lateral roots to a depth of several feet. There, lateral roots take advantage of any water and nutrients deeper in the soil in addition to increasing tree stability.
5.Fine roots: All the root types aforesaid can give rise to fine roots, which is where water and nutrients are directly absorbed. They also house mycorrhizae, which are fungal partnerships that increase root absorption capacity.
An interesting tale came to me some time ago that I am sure many of us can take a life lesson from. It tells of how trees push their roots down deeper when located in stormy areas. Their deeper roots helps them to withstand the elements. And there’s good advice for us all. Whatever your belief, put your roots down deep so when you face whatever life throws at you, you'll still be standing firm!
For more information for any Dendrophiles (Tree Lovers) out there: aplustree.com/3-types-of-tree-root-systems/
Tree roots (Flickr Explore award).
I am fascinated by some of the Tree roots I come across on my walks. Especially when you can see them above the surface like these. They are the veins that provide all the nutrients and water the tree requires, but much more.
There are five types of Tree roots, each of them developing at different stages of the Tree’s life:
1.Tap roots: Every tree starts with a tap root that provides stability and absorption. Over time, other roots outgrow the taproot. Most taproots don’t continue to grow ever more deeply because deep soils lack the oxygen and nutrients that roots need to survive.
2.Lateral roots: Lateral roots grow outwards right under the soil surface. They absorb a lot of water and nutrients as well as anchoring the tree.
3.Oblique/heart roots: Oblique roots, also known as heart roots, grow at a diagonal and have the same function as lateral roots.
4.Sinker roots: Sinker roots grow downwards from the lateral roots to a depth of several feet. There, lateral roots take advantage of any water and nutrients deeper in the soil in addition to increasing tree stability.
5.Fine roots: All the root types aforesaid can give rise to fine roots, which is where water and nutrients are directly absorbed. They also house mycorrhizae, which are fungal partnerships that increase root absorption capacity.
An interesting tale came to me some time ago that I am sure many of us can take a life lesson from. It tells of how trees push their roots down deeper when located in stormy areas. Their deeper roots helps them to withstand the elements. And there’s good advice for us all. Whatever your belief, put your roots down deep so when you face whatever life throws at you, you'll still be standing firm!
For more information for any Dendrophiles (Tree Lovers) out there: aplustree.com/3-types-of-tree-root-systems/