When planting thuja or arborvitae as a single tree or hedge in the garden, the root system plays a major role. In order to find the right location, it is important to know whether Thuja has shallow roots or deep roots.
Is Thuja a deep-rooted or shallow-rooted species?
Thuja, also known as the tree of life, is a shallow-rooted plant with a widely branched and plate-shaped root system. The roots can reach up to one meter deep and it is recommended to keep sufficient distance from sidewalks and terraces.
Thuja – shallow-rooted or deep-rooted?
- Thuja=shallow rooting
- spread roots
- Root depth up to one meter and more
- Keep your distance from sidewalks
The tree of life has shallow roots. This means you usually don't have to worry about the roots damaging utility lines underground.
The root depth ranges up to one meter depending on the size and age of the thuja. The roots spread out in a plate shape. They are very fine at the edges and therefore easy to break off.
You should keep sufficient planting distance from sidewalks and terraces. Over time, the roots can lift paving slabs or damage flooring.
The roots of the thuja don't like transplanting
Once a thuja has been planted, it is reluctant to be transplanted again. The root system takes strong interference very seriously. Therefore, think carefully about whether the planned location is really suitable.
If transplanting is unavoidable, this will only be successful with very young arborvitae. Here the roots are not so pronounced and can be dug out relatively undamaged.
Underplant thuja
Due to the wide branching, it is very difficult for other plants to find enough space for their own root formation. Only smaller plants with few roots, such as summer flowers, have a chance here.
Dig up thuja roots
The extensive root system makes it very difficult to dig up a thuja hedge. You will need to dig at least three feet deep and wide around the tree to get the roots completely out of the ground.
If the hedge needs to be completely removed, it is worth commissioning a garden specialist to do this work, at least for older thujas. The experts have the necessary equipment and dispose of the remains of the trees at the same time.
Tip
If you don't want to go through the work of digging up the roots of the thuja hedge, you can leave them in the ground. They rot in the ground, although it takes a long time. But they won't sprout again.
