The growth of the roots of maple trees determines in many ways the correct planting and care. Find out here whether maples thrive as shallow-rooted or deep-rooted trees. Benefit from our tips on how to expertly incorporate root growth into cultivation.
Are maple trees shallow-rooted or deep-rooted?
Maple trees are known as heartrooters, whose flat and extensive root strands grow primarily in the upper soil layer. Root growth tends to be horizontal rather than deep and varies depending on soil conditions.
Maple tree – hearty root with flat, far-reaching root strands
The root system of all maple species is characterized by flat, surface-level growth. As they grow older, native species develop a strong taproot. In cross section, the root system is reminiscent of a heart shape with a plate-shaped spread to the sides.
Thanks to meticulous records by scientists, we now have reliable data on the extensive root growth of maple trees:
- In normal garden soil after 5-10 years: root depth 1.40 m - horizontal spread 2.10 m
- In gravelly-sandy loam soil after 70 years: root depth 1.10 to 1.40 m - horizontal spread 3.05 m
- In permeable gravel after 60 years: root depth 0.60 m - horizontal spread 2.55 m
Keeping the spread of roots in check – this is how it works
As the data on root growth shows us, the root system spreads significantly more in width than in depth. To prevent the root strands of strong-growing maple species, such as Norway maple or sycamore maple, from conquering your garden, draw the line with a root barrier (€36.00 at Amazon). To do this, line the planting pit to a depth of 50 cm with an impenetrable geotextile. So that the strands close to the surface do not find a way over the root barrier, the edge should protrude 5 to 10 cm above the ground.
Proper watering promotes deep growth - Here's how it works
Coordinate the water supply to the shallow root system, encourage your maple to increase its deep growth. This can be achieved by not watering every 1 to 2 days when the summer is dry. Instead, water thoroughly once or twice a week by running the hose for 20 to 40 minutes.
Tip
If a globe maple Globosum shines in all its splendor in the middle of the lawn, the shallow roots sometimes come into conflict with the lawnmower. These options are available to you to solve the problem: a nice underplanting, replacing the grass in the root area with bark mulch or lawn grid.
