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Root depth

fallen trees
Photo courtesy Chuck Lippi

Hard compacted soils in urban landscapes restrict root penetration deep into the soil profile. Trees can grow fine and appear healthy but can blow over in storms because shallow roots do not anchor the tree appropriately.

Treatment: If soil is compacted or there is a high water table restricting roots to the soil surface layers, then consider 1) planting only small maturing trees, 2) developing a deeper soil profile during the design phase of a new project, 3) thinning or reducing the canopy size on existing trees, or 4) tree removal.

root system