In addition to the characteristic shape, the soil conditions are largely responsible for the root depth the laurel cherry reaches. In this article you will learn interesting details about the lifelines of the evergreen shrub.
How deep do cherry laurel roots grow?
The laurel cherry is a heartroot plant whose root system consists of strong main roots that spread in all directions. They do not reach as deep as deep-rooted plants or as shallowly as shallow-rooted plants and adapt to the respective environment to ensure optimal nutrient supply.
The cherry laurel – a deep-rooted or shallow-rooted plant?
In trees that belong to the shallow-rooted group, the roots run directly beneath the surface of the earth. The long main roots of deep-rooted or taprooted plants often extend several meters into the ground. Due to the plate-shaped spread of the roots, shallow-rooted plants are significantly more vulnerable to storms than the firmly anchored deep-rooted plants.
Here are some examples of the two specific root forms:
| Shallow-rooted | Deeproots |
|---|---|
| Spruce | Fir tree |
| Birch | Juniper |
| vinegar tree | Oak |
| Thuja | Pine |
However, because of its root shape, the laurel cherry cannot be assigned to any of these root types.
The laurel cherry is a heartroot plant
In contrast to these trees, the cherry laurel is a heartroot. In the laurel cherry, the root system consists of various strong main roots that run not only vertically but in all directions.
A cherry laurel offshoot first forms a deep taproot. Several main roots with strong side roots later grow out of this. This results in the typical heart shape in the cross section of the roots.
As a bush that thrives in the shade of sparse forests in its original home, the cherry laurel is forced to assert itself over other trees and shrubs. Since the roots of the laurel cherry do not reach as deep as those of deep-rooted plants and do not grow as shallow as those of shallow-rooted plants, the plant ensures optimal nutrient supply.
The roots adapt to the environment
Since plants are living creatures that can adapt very well to existing conditions, the growth form of the root system can vary somewhat. The roots always develop in the direction in which the cherry laurel finds enough nutrients. In dry regions, the laurel cherry can develop very deep roots in order to be able to absorb sufficient water.
Tips & Tricks
So that the cherry laurel thrives, the soil around the bushes should be carefully loosened from time to time. The fine root system reacts very sensitively to surface compaction and waterlogging. A layer of bark mulch about ten centimeters thick is ideal, as it helps loosen and improve the soil.
