Boxwood plants are known for their thickness and density. These plants are thick and evergreen shrubs that can add much aesthetic value to your home and garden. In this article, we will discuss the root system of Boxwood plants.
We will also discuss whether boxwood roots are invasive or not. So read ahead to learn more about the root system of boxwood plants.
Boxwood Root System Explained
The boxwood root system is shallow. They can draw water from the surroundings pretty fast. But the roots of these plants also dry out pretty quickly. So in order to maintain a healthy root system for these plants, you should make sure to plant them at the appropriate depth.
The boxwood plants have a shallow and extensive root system. But their roots cannot go very deep. These roots, therefore, dry out pretty quickly.
So you will need to make sure to plant boxwood trees at an appropriate depth into the soil in order to maintain a healthy root system for them. In order to understand the root system of these plants better, let’s take at the different kinds of boxwood plants and their root system. Read ahead to find out more:
Green mountain boxwood:
green mountain boxwood plants have a shallow root system. The roots of these plants are relatively small. So you will need to ensure proper maintenance for these plants in order to make them thrive.
Winter gem boxwood:
The winter gem boxwood plants are also shrubs that do not grow more than 3 feet tall. While planting these shrubs you will have to make sure that there is a significant source of water around the plant, or you will have to water them regularly. Their roots dry out pretty quickly.
Japanese boxwood:
Japanese boxwood plants have a shallow and relatively root system as well. You should ensure that the rootball is about ⅛ inches above the ground while planting this tree. This will make sure that there is enough root space for the shrub to thrive.
Green tower boxwood:
Green tower boxwood has a shallow and thin root system. The roots of these plants do not go much deep into the soil. So you will have to water them regularly in order to ensure a healthy condition for them.
Dee runk boxwood:
Dee runk boxwood plants have a root system that is shallow yet extensive. These roots do can spread laterally, but they do not go much deep vertically. In order to ensure the well-being of these plants, you should water them regularly and allow enough root space for them.
Dwarf boxwood:
dwarf boxwoods have a shallow root system. These roots can draw moisture from the environment. But the catch is that they get dry pretty quickly as well.
So in order to maintain a healthy root system for these plants, you should ensure that there is enough moisture and root space available to these plants.
Korean boxwood:
Korean boxwood plants have a shallow root system. These root systems do not spread across a wide range but they can draw moisture from rain or irrigation.
Boxwood hedge:
The boxwood hedge root system is shallow. They take water from rain, irrigation, and other sources around them. But these plants cannot hold on to moisture for too long. So they will dry out pretty fast. Make sure to water them regularly and allow sufficient root space for them.
Do boxwoods have deep or shallow roots?
Boxwoods have shallow roots. But they do not have deep roots. The roots of boxwood plants do not go deep into the grounds. The roots go as deep as 12 inches, no more than that.
So if the water level in the area is too low, these shrubs cannot draw water from underground. In order to ensure the well-being of these plants, you should make sure to water them regularly. In addition, allow enough root space for them to thrive.
How Deep Are Boxwood Roots?
The boxwoods are shrubs. And just like most other shrubs, their roots cannot go much deep into the soil. Their roots mostly grow within the first 12 inches of the soil.
The roots may grow laterally as well. The radius of their lateral growth may be a few times the width of the base of the plant.
So in order to ensure that these plants are thriving, you will need to plant them at a proper depth. Otherwise, these plants will not be able to access the underground water reserve. You will also need to water them regularly.
Do boxwood roots grow down or out?
The boxwood roots grow both down and out. But they do not grow much downward. The roots will grow as deep as 12 to 18 inches downward. After that, the roots will stop growing down.
So if the water levels in the area are low, you will need to make sure to plant the boxwoods are an appropriate depth into the soil. In addition, make sure to water them regularly and frequently.
On the other hand, the roots of the boxwood plants can grow laterally as well. The roots can grow upto a radius that is a couple of times that of the width of the plant.
What is root system of boxwoods?
Let’s now take a look at the description of the root system of boxwood plants. Read ahead to learn more about it:
Shallow:
The root system of boxwood plants is shallow. These plants can take water from the environment, that is, from rain, irrigation, and so on. So if there is adequate rain in the area, you will not need to water the plant for a couple of days.
However, if there is no rain in the area for a few days and the weather lacks enough humidity, you will need to water the plant regularly. Otherwise, the plant will not thrive.
Not too deep:
Boxwoods are shrubs. And like most other shrubs, their roots cannot grow much deep into the soil. The root of these plants cannot go more than 12 to 18 inches deep into the soil. So in order to ensure the well-being of these plants, make sure to plant them at the proper depth.
How big are Boxwood roots?
The boxwood roots are not too deep or wide in radius. These plants can grow only as deep as 12 inches into the soil. And in the case of lateral growth, these roots can grow out about a few times the width of their stem.
If you’re planning to transplant these plants, it would be ideal to make downward cuts about 18 inches into the ground. This will ensure enough breathing space for the root and make an appropriate depth for the roots to thrive further.
Are Boxwood Roots Invasive?
No, boxwood roots are not invasive. In fact, the boxwood roots are brittle and can be damaged by other invasive plants around them. They have thin and long roots that will not hurt other plants around them.
As the roots of these shrubs grow, they keep on moving outward. However, note that they will grow onto a weak foundation if they can come across one. So it would be ideal to not grow these plants around weak establishments. They will keep growing if they can find weak points in pipes.
Can Boxwood roots damage foundation or pipes?
Yes, boxwood roots can damage foundations or pipes if they can find a weak spot in the structure. These roots are not naturally invasive, but if there are weak spots in the structure around them, they will keep on growing along with them.
The roots of boxwoods keep on growing outward over the years. So after a few years, when the roots have grown outward steadily, they will find weak spots in a foundation and prey on it.
Do Boxwood spread or multiply?
Boxwood does not spread. They multiply through stem cuttings. The plants will grow through hedges, topiary, and containers. You can grow these plants by transplanting them to an ideal location as well.
Make sure to avoid high levels of temperature. Boxwoods do not grow well in too hot and humid regions.
Final Thoughts
Boxwood root system is shallow. These roots grow downward and outward over the years. They can grow upto several times their width outward, but only about 12 inches downward. Make sure to water these plants regularly as they tend to dry pretty quickly.