Oak trees stand rock solid, no force can knock them down. There must be a powerful root system hidden underneath that anchors the tree well to the earth. Let's take a closer look at this invisible part of the tree.
What does the root system of an oak tree look like?
The root system of an oak tree consists of a deep-growing taproot that can be up to 40 meters long, as well as numerous lateral root runners. The taproot allows the oak tree stability, height growth and access to deep water supplies, while the lateral roots absorb water and nutrients.
From radicle to taproot
The germinating acorn gives you an idea of what the root system of a fully grown oak tree will look like. We can come across them again and again in the spring at home in the garden or in the forest. A lone long root sprouts from inside the acorn. If the seedling is given a chance to grow into a tree, this radicle will develop into what is known as a taproot.
The taproot of the oak
The taproot grows vertically into the ground, just as thetrunk does above the ground. It is strong, long and mostly straight. If she encounters tough resistance on her way into the depths, she will use her strength to fight her way through or grow past it.
The taproot of an oak tree can reach an incredible 40 m long. In general, there seems to be a connection with above-ground growth, because the oak's taproot usually goes as deep as the tree is tall.
Lateral root runners
The taproot is the main root of the oak, but alone it cannot support the tree's needs. That's why, over time, more and more root runners develop that extend laterally from the taproot.
They penetrate the environment over a large area so that they can absorb water and nutrients from everywhere. Immediately below the earth's surface, their spread reaches a diameter similar to the crown of a tree.
Benefits of a deep root
The oak's deep and strong taproot has its right to exist because the tree depends on it.
- it gives it a stable, storm-proof hold
- the oak can grow higher
- deeper water resources are accessible
- compacted soil layers can be penetrated
Thanks to its taproot, the oak can also colonize dry areas where trees with shallow root systems would die of thirst.
A life-threatening disadvantage
The oak cannot survive without a he althy taproot. The problem, however, is that she only has one of them. A reserve root is not available in case the taproot is damaged.
- damaged taproot is a major weak point
- the tree is not adequately cared for
- After a while this can lead to death
Tip
When buying a young oak tree, make sure it has a he althy taproot. As a guarantee of life, it must also be treated carefully when planting so that it does not break off.
“Rooting” not advisable
Occasionally it happens that an owner wants to transplant his oak tree or needs to remove it from its current location. When planting a young oak tree, the space required by an ever-growing oak tree is criminally underestimated.
The old saying that you don't replant an old tree comes true here. In order not to damage the taproot, you would have to dig very, very, very deep. A thing of impossibility, or at least a lot of effort and expense.
Nutrition for the roots
As deep-rooted, every oak species looks for nutrients in areas where it does not have to fear much competition. That's why a he althy tree doesn't need to be fertilized. It is enough if the leaves that have fallen in autumn are left to rot around the trunk.
