Tree Roots – A Network of Life

Tree roots are the unseen networks below ground that support individual plants and vast forest systems when combined. Although we don’t see them unless they are exposed, roots are larger than the tree itself as conceptualized by artists in ‘Tree of Life’ imagery. Recently discovered by botanists, trees pass soil information and nutrients to each other through root fusion. Seedlings of different species share nutrients via mycorrhiza fungi growing along their roots. Large mature trees, commonly called Mother Trees, can reach deep water channels then pull moisture up through their roots to nourish seedlings that cannot reach these sources for themselves. Passing nutritional information between their roots means that forests can respond to climate stress like drought, atmospheric change and new insect pests.

The root structure of your tree depends on many features such as species, soil, water table depth and solid rock formations that block root growth. Some species grow roots close to the surface and soil erosion will expose them. For stump removals, your best solution is mulching rather than tearing up a large existing root system and damaging neighboring plants. Call us for more information on our landscaping and stump removal services.

Most often, pipes break because of ground shift or end-of-life pipe material. Once the pipe is broken or corroded, the smaller roots of trees may enter the damaged pipes seeking water and nutrition. Species that may invade broken sewer pipes include thirsty varieties of poplar trees and willows.

Exposed tree roots are not a natural growing occurrence. Roots trend downwards into the soil seeking water and nutritional sources. Exposed roots cause problems for trees because their ability to process and move food up into the tree canopy where photosynthesis occurs, is inhibited. Slope erosion, and obstacles to root growth [such as concrete or buildings] and foot traffic that wears away topsoil can cause exposed roots. Mulching helps to cushion and insulate the roots, and discourages human and mechanical traffic [such as lawnmowers]. An organic material like wood chips, at least 4 inches deep, makes an excellent mulch to protect tree roots.

If you are concerned about exposed roots on your property, call us to discuss alternate solutions to removing trees. If you decide you need to remove a tree, we can help you with that.

When left over time, nature can create an intimate balance between forest species, but urban settings disturb natural eco-cycles and cause tree health problems. Storm and construction damage, and development practices that deplete soil quality impact trees and cause considerable stress. These deficiencies affecting mature trees can be corrected with deep root fertilization. Fertilizing includes pH correction which is very important for nutritional uptake and stable growth.

Our deep root fertilization procedure injects high quality fertilizer and soil amendments into the root systems of mature trees to replenish depleted soil, and aerate compacted soil to allow water and oxygen to reach the root hairs where absorption takes place. Call us to talk to one of our certified arborist who would be happy to talk with you about getting the health of your trees back on track. As an eco-minded community, we continue to learn about the value of protecting urban forests. For the team at Twin Rivers Tree Service & Landscaping, our passion is working to maintain the health and beauty of BC’s trees.