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What type of roots do trees have?

What type of roots do trees have?

Tree roots are one of the least known and often misunderstood aspects of plants. If you think that roots are always as big as the foliage or that they only serve to absorb water, you might be surprised! In our new YouTube video, made in collaboration with Riccardo Rizzetto, known as From Roots to Leaves, we explore the hidden world of root systems.

Tree roots: the invisible support system

 

When we think of a tree, our attention focuses on the crown, trunk and leaves. However, beneath the ground, and sometimes even above it, lies a complex system that has vital functions. What kind of roots do trees have? There are different types, such as superficial, tap, fascicled and even aerial roots. Knowing these differences is essential for choosing which trees to plant in the right place and ensuring the stability of ecosystems and the safety of people.

Roots and forest resilience

 

A concrete example of how roots can affect the resilience of forests comes to us from storm Vaia in 2018, which destroyed large areas of forest in northern Italy. The affected forests consisted mainly of spruce, a species with a shallow root system. This made the trees more vulnerable to strong winds, contributing to widespread damage.
To prevent similar situations in the future, reforestation projects are focusing on greater biodiversity, introducing species such as larch and beech, trees with deep roots that make forests more resistant to extreme weather events.

Roots and city planning

 

Even in cities, the choice of tree species according to their roots is crucial. For example, along the Treviso-Ostiglia cycle route in Veneto, we are planting new trees to improve shade and comfort for cyclists. However, to avoid future problems with the pavement, it is essential to select species with suitable root systems.
In such contexts, it is better to prefer trees with roots that grow deep, thus reducing the risk of uplifting the asphalt.

What tipe of roots do trees have? Find out more in our video

 

Tree roots are more than just a support: they influence forest health, tree stability and even urban safety. If you want to learn more about this topic and find out what kind of roots trees have and other myths about roots, check out our latest YouTube video.

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