Beech trees develop very extensive roots over time. Therefore, caution is advised when choosing a location. The trees can no longer be transplanted later. What you should know about the roots of the beech tree.
How deep and expansive are the roots of a beech tree?
The roots of the beech are wide and, as heart roots, only about 50-70 cm deep in the ground. They are sensitive to waterlogging and can damage buildings, walls or pipes. A sufficient planting distance of around 15 meters is recommended.
Beeches have a heart root
- Heartroot
- Shallow-rooted
- pronounced root system
The shape of the root of a beech tree is called the heart root. It forms a strong middle section that grows downwards. Many secondary roots develop on the sides, which cover many meters over the years. They run relatively flat underground.
The root system spreads so much that it is not necessary to fertilize an older beech. Only young beech trees initially need occasional fertilizer.
Old beech trees cannot be transplanted
It is not advisable to transplant an older beech tree. Over the years it has developed such a developed root system that it is not possible to get the roots out of the ground undamaged. The beech would die if transplanted.
With a bit of luck, young beech trees can still be transplanted if the roots have not yet spread so much.
When removing a beech tree, it is not enough to saw the beech tree off. The roots also need to be carefully dug up. Otherwise the root remnants will sprout again.
Maintain sufficient planting distance
Since the lateral roots of a beech tree only run about 50 to 70 centimeters underground, they pose a danger to masonry, roads and supply lines.
The roots become very strong over time and damage buildings and walls, lift paving slabs and crush water and other pipes.
When planting beech trees, a sufficient planting distance should be maintained, which is ideally around 15 meters.
The roots of the beech tree cannot tolerate waterlogging
Beech roots are sensitive. They can only spread unhindered in loose soil without compaction.
The soil must always be slightly moist. Under no circumstances should the roots dry out. Waterlogging is even more damaging. It only takes a short time for the roots to rot due to moisture.
Tip
Hornbeams also have a heart root. In contrast to beech, they have very deep roots, so they can easily be planted close to walls, roads and supply lines.
