Which trees have tap roots

This tree has an irregularly shaped crown along with a thick trunk. Thanks to its deep rooting system, it stands easily against the stormy condition, working as a windbreak.

Known for having many medicinal properties according to the Ayurveda , this tree has taproots that travel deep down in the ground. These thick taproots are attached to the trunk to support the tree. This fast-growing tree needs a good space to grow successfully as its roots tend to spread a lot. The neem tree has the strongest taproot system underground. It has one primary root that goes deeper into the soil, while the other secondary roots, emerging from it, have lateral growth habit.

The primary root can go deeper twice the height of the tree to absorb water and minerals. This helps the tree to stay green in all the seasons. Belonging to the cashew family, the huge mango trees are also blessed with a deep taproot system. Its primary or main taproot can travel up to feet deep in the soil. Apart from growing deeper for searching water, its roots have sideward growth as well to give firm support to the tree.

Native to India, Jamun is a slow-growing tropical tree that has a well-defined tap root system , making it one of the deepest-rooted trees of India. Its primary root is wiry and digs down deeper in the soil, while the lateral roots, with moderate length, are distributed horizontally. They also house mycorrhizae, which are fungal partnerships that increase root absorption capacity. Taproot System Dominated By: Tap root. Common Species: Some oaks and pines, hickory, sweet gum, tupelo, walnut.

Common Species: Ash, birch, cottonwood, hackberry, maple. Related Posts. Pest Spotlight: Shot Hole Fungus. April 20, 0 Comments. Fungi: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. March 24, 0 Comments. February 23, 0 Comments. Also of Interest. Go to Top. Tree roots do not in general occur in great amounts at any significant depth.

The majority of a tree's roots occur in the top 1 - 2 metres of the soil; trees tend to have shallow but extensive root systems. The spread of lateral roots can be as great as the spread of the canopy or crown, or even beyond in some cases. One study showed that the root spread of poplar was greater than three times the crown radius. Root systems such as this are sometimes referred to as extensive systems. An intensive root system is one that is confined to a smaller soil volume, relying on shorter laterals, which have numerous fine endings.

Such a system may be seen in beech Fagus sylvatica. Beech was one of the tree species that suffered more than most in the drought of though it can penetrate to great depths of some soils. Oak, pine and silver fir are amongst those that may have persistent tap roots. Other species have what are termed 'heart root systems' where larger and smaller roots penetrate the soil diagonally from the main trunk. Trees such as larch, lime and birch can fall into this category.

A surface root system is one where the roots tend to run horizontally just below the soil surface, with some roots descending deeper and vertically into the soil. Ash, aspen and Norway spruce can provide examples of this. However, there is no clear or simple classification of root systems.

Much depends on local geology, soil type, climate, drainage etc. So, for example, water logging of the soil will limit gas exchange, which will affect the oxygen the root can get for respiration — which generates energy for growth and the take up of minerals.

When the oxygen level in the soil falls, root growth is reduced or stopped completely.