Tree root systems do not grow very deep. Tree's roots grow
shallow and wide. Do not cut them! Tap root? Okay, many conifers
have tap roots extending deep into the soil, however they still
rely on surface roots for oxygen, moisture, and nutrients. In
general, tree roots are close to the surface, extend laterally from
the tree (like spokes on a bicycle wheel), and extend far beyond
the canopy of the tree. Commonly, roots will extend well beyond 2
to 3 times outside of the drip-line. Roots have been found more
than 10 times beyond the distance from the trunk to the canopy.
Most people do not understand roots, or trees. This is what the
last guy wrote: "Close to double its height and about as least
twenty feet in each direction depending on how old the tree is. It
depends on the type of tree and the conditions in which it is
growing. Trees are like people they are basically lazy so they will
only put roots out as far as they have to to supply nutrients and
support."
Remember, just because you see it on the internet, it is not
always true. Tree roots grow where there is an abundance of oxygen,
water, and nutreints. Which is where? Where the soil meets the
air.
