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Tap root continues to grow larger at the bottom of many containers
The tap root continues to grow vigorously at the bottom of many containers because there is ample water and minerals there. Unlike in a natural environment, there is nothing to slow its growth. Lateral roots are not encouraged to grow because the tap root is perfectly have growing at the bottom. Tree does not need lateral roots due to the tap root growing in a favorable environment. (photo courtesy Brian Kempf, Urban Tree Foundation, Visalia, CA)
