Why do some trees like the maple have some of its roots grow above ground?

Answer 1

Certain species develop surface roots more than others especially fast growers like maples, poplars, or willows.
These roots appear when trees are about 10' in diameter or larger. Surface rooting is promoted by compacted, poorly drained soil, and/or shallow soils, which have low oxygen content--the roots need oxygen to grow. In these soil conditions the young roots tend to form near the surface. Then as the tree ages those young roots enlarge in proportion to hold the tree stable often growing above the soil surface. As they enlarge the soil may also eroded away.

In good soil water and air each occupy nearly 25% of the total soil volume. The minerals represent only around 45% and organic matter from 2% to 5% of the volume. So when soil is compacted, excluding the air and water, or exists only as a thin layer over the subsurface, roots have to spread rather than penetrate in order to grow quickly and support the top growth.

Answer 2

I have an old maple tree (48 yrs) that has roots sticking out of the ground. I've often wondered about that, too. I was told that when it was planted by the builder 48 yrs ago, it may have not been planted deep enough, but also because of its age, the roots have no place else to go. It needs plenty of water and seeks it by reaching "upwards" toward the surface. I solved the problem by building up the ground all around the base of the maple tree and planted some green leafy plants (there are many varieties) that come back every Spring and last till frost. It looks pretty, too, but best of all, I don't see the roots of the tree anymore. Plus, I leave my sprinklers on longer now. I have inground sprinklers which water better than an individual ones do.

Answer 3

The roots support the trees so they do not fall over....however roots that are on top of the ground mean that a tree is not getting a sufficent amount of water deep in the soil, there for they search for water in the upper soils.

hope this helps

Answer 4

No, you do no longer choose to conceal the roots. i'm guessing this is a Silver Maple. Silver maples are infamous for shallow roots that harm the epidermis. they are additionally very destructive. protecting the roots of timber will suffocate the roots, and may be able to kill the tree. in case you do placed soil over the roots, it would be no longer greater advantageous than 4 inches deep.

Answer 5

Roots not only provide water to the plant, they also store sugars and provide air. Some plants like the mangrove have a large amount of roots above ground so that they can survive on the shoreline.

Answer 6

Large trees have grand roots that stretch wide for a similar reason to why tall people have big feet: stability. If a gust of wind comes along and the tree isn't rooted out far enough, it will fall over and eventually die...

Answer 7

it's call buttress root for support of course,some trees are too big,it need bigger roots to anchor it to the ground

Answer 8

to get more water.