Beneath the palm tree’s soil, a massive network of roots supports the towering palm tree. These roots are what give the tree its stability, anchoring it against the strong winds that often whip through its environment. The roots also play an essential role in the tree’s nutrient and water uptake. But how deep do these palm tree roots go?
Some people worry that the deep roots of a palm tree might damage their foundation or pipes. Other trees, after all, have been known to cause problems with underground infrastructure. And if you haven’t had a palm tree on your property or are planning on planting one, it’s normal to worry and think about the potential problems its roots might cause.
Read on to learn more about palm tree roots and whether or not they’re likely to cause problems on your property.
How Deep Are Palm Tree Roots
We can’t deny the fact that palm trees are beautiful when added to yards and gardens. Gracing many a tropical landscape, these trees are also commonly found along the fences, beautifying any home. But as much as we love their aesthetic appeal, there’s always that nagging worry in the back of our minds: will they damage my property?
The truth is, most palm trees don’t have roots that go any deeper than about three feet (36 inches). The way they grow horizontally also means that they’re less likely to cause any damage to your property. Its roots are typically narrow and will remain this way, even if the tree itself is quite old and gets extremely tall.
A Quick Look at Palm Tree’s Root System
We’ve mentioned earlier that some taller and bigger trees grow thick and strong roots that can go deeper than ten feet. Aside from allowing them to reach the soil deeper, this depth also allows them to support the tree’s weight, no matter how heavy the branches and leaves get.
But as we’ve said, palm trees don’t follow this same rule. Palm trees don’t have a taproot, which is the main and thickest root that grows vertically downward. Instead of one big and deep taproot, palm trees have an initiation zone. This is usually found near the base of the tree, from which several thin and fibrous roots grow out.
These roots allow the palm tree to spread out and anchor itself in the ground. The lack of a taproot also means that palm trees are more tolerant to transplanting. While they’re young, you can easily move them around without having to worry too much about damaging their roots.
These fibrous roots will eventually grow out. If you see narrow roots emerging from the ground, don’t worry. This is pretty normal. As the tree matures, the roots will start to sprawl out. You’ll notice that these roots will grow close to the surface of the ground, forming a root ball.
This is one of the reasons why palm trees can still stand firmly, despite having shallow roots. The root ball allows the tree to have a wider base, giving it more stability against strong winds. Its roots bundle up close to the surface, providing the tree the strength and stability it needs. Its roots literally show that the strength in numbers shouldn’t be underestimated.
Can Palm Trees Cause Damage to Pipes and Cement?
If the palm tree’s roots are growing horizontally, will this be a problem for the underground infrastructure on your property?
The short answer is no. Palm tree roots are not as destructive as other trees’ roots. They’re also less likely to grow towards areas with pipes and cement since they follow a more horizontal growth pattern.
One of the most amazing things about palm trees is that their roots’ diameter will likely be the same even as it grows older. With that being said, it’s less likely to cause cracks in the driveway and damage your pipes, walls, and other infrastructures.
Final Thoughts
It’s no wonder palm trees are widely seen in many states, both for residential and commercial properties. Not only are they beautiful and low-maintenance, but despite some varieties towering the heights of a three-story building, they have shallow roots that are less likely to cause any major and significant damage.