Cedar tree is also known by the name of Cedrus. The family that cedar tree belongs to goes by the name of Pinaceae.
One interesting thing about cedar tree is that it is not suitable as a garden plant and needs lots of space for their optimum growth. Today, we are going to discuss about the root system of cedar tree and find out whether its roots are invasive or not.
Cedar tree Root System Explained
The root system of cedar tree can be described as shallow. But the shallow roots of cedar tree are capable of spreading as much as twenty five feet from the tree. The roots of cedar tree are not that invasive. Thus the plants and the structures around cedar tree are safe.
There are many different varieties of cedar tree available throughout the world. They do not necessarily share a common type of root system. Let’s discuss in detail about some of them and find out their root system.
White cedar tree:
The scientific name of white cedar tree is Thuja occidentalis. It is also known by the names of swamp cedar tree and American arborvitae tree.
White cedar tree is blessed with shallow and strong roots. But the important thing to remember here is that the root system of white cedar tree is mildly invasive.
Western red cedar tree:
Thuja plicata is the scientific name of western red cedar tree. Some people might also address it by the name of pacific red cedar tree.
It is mostly famous for being an ornamental tree. Western red cedar tree has a fairly shallow root system that is mildly invasive. But the roots of Western cedar tree can spread far and wide.
Eastern red cedar tree:
The scientific name of Eastern red cedar tree is Juniperus virginiana. There are many similarities between Eastern red cedar tree and Western red cedar tree.
Just like western red cedar tree, Eastern red cedar tree also possesses a mildly invasive and shallow root system.
Deodar cedar tree:
Deodar cedar tree also goes by the name of Himalayan cedar tree. It is known for growing very tall with the help of its spreading root system collecting enough food nutrients and water.
But the root system of Deodar cedar tree is not very invasive. Its root system can spread as far as thirty feet from the point of origin.
Pyramid cedar tree:
Pyramid cedar tree is mostly famous for being a foundation tree. The root system of pyramid cedar tree can be described as shallow. But their shallow roots can spread far and wide with their mild invasiveness.
Blue atlas cedar tree:
The scientific name of blue atlas cedar tree is Cedrus atlantica. The blue atlas cedar is an excellent choice as an ornamental tree due to its unique color.
The root system of Blue atlas cedar tree is shallow and mildly invasive. But the shallow roots of blue atlas cedar tree are capable of spreading far.
Lebanon cedar tree:
Cedrus libani is the scientific name of Lebanon cedar tree. Lebanon cedar tree can become a beautiful ornamental tree beside sidewalks and parks. This variety of cedar tree possesses incredibly shallow roots which are slightly invasive.
Cedar elm tree:
Cedar elm tree is one of the tallest varieties of cedar. The scientific name of cedar elm tree is Ulmus crassifolia.
Cedar elm tree has a rapid growth rate and manages to grow up to seventy feet tall. Cedar elm tree does not have a deep root system. Its shallow roots are also not highly invasive.
Does Cedar tree have deep roots?
According to gardening experts, cedar tree does not possess deep roots compared to other ornamental and foundation trees.
In fact, most varieties of cedar trees have a root system that allows the roots to go only three to four feet deep into the ground.
Other ornamental and foundation trees have roots that reach ten feet deep or more. But there are some exceptional varieties of Cedar tree that have deep roots. For example, the roots of Eastern red cedar tree can go as much as twenty feet into the ground.
How deep are Cedar tree roots?
Most varieties of Cedar tree roots are not blessed with deep roots. They have a fairly shallow root system that does not allow the roots to go very deep into the ground. You will need to put extra effort for the cedar tree to have very deep roots.
Generally, the roots of cedar tree go three to four feet deep into the ground. But the roots of Cedar tree can spread far and wide even if they do not go that deep into the ground.
Are cedar tree roots shallow?
If you compare the roots of cedar tree with other ornamental and foundation trees, then you will realize that it has very shallow roots.
The shallow roots of cedar tree do not go deep into the soil. On an average, the roots of cedar tree can reach four feet deep into the ground.
Despite having shallow roots, the root system of cedar tree is versatile enough to spread far and wide beyond its point of origin. However, cedar tree is not a good choice if you are looking for an ornamental tree with deep roots.
What kind of root system does a cedar tree have?
Most Cedar trees have a similar root system. So it is fairly easy to describe their root system. Let’s discuss in detail about the nature of a cedar tree’s root system.
Shallow root system:
Most of the cedar trees have very shallow roots. In fact, the major portion of its roots can be found inside the two feet of the soil. However, some varieties of Cedar tree are known for having deep roots.
Mildly invasive root system:
The root system of Cedar tree can be labelled as mildly invasive. However, the mildly invasive roots of cedar tree do not create problems for the nearby plants and structures.
Wide root system:
One of the traits of cedar tree’s root system is that it can spread far and wide. Most cedar trees have shallow roots that can reach as far as twenty five feet wide from its point of origin.
Fibrous root system:
Cedar tree possesses shallow roots. But their shallow roots are fibrous enough to spread far and wide in order to collect the much needed food nutrients and water from the soil.
How big are Cedar tree roots?
We have to talk about the size of the cedar tree’s taproot to know how big cedar tree roots are. It is believed ny gardening experts that the taproot of cedar tree can go at least twenty to twenty five feet into the ground.
The important thing to remember here is that cedar tree is one of the fastest growing trees throughout the world. The incredible height achieved by cedar tree is a direct result of its deep taproot that gives it the supportive structure it needs.
Are Cedar tree roots invasive?
It is believed by gardening experts that cedar tree does not have highly invasive roots. But one thing that has been noticed about cedar tree is that their roots can become invasive slightly invasive in some given environment.
Its root system becomes invasive in order to survive.
But the root system of cedar tree is non invasive in most cases. That is why people prefer planting cedar tree as ornamental and foundation trees.
Cedar tree does not cause problems for other plants and structures around it as its roots are only mildly invasive.
Can Cedar tree roots damage foundation or pipes?
The good thing about cedar tree is that it has a mildly invasive root system. But its root system is not invasive enough to cause damage to foundation or pipes around it.
It has been noticed that the roots of cedar tree grow far and wide. But the cedar tree roots are not strong enough to hurt the foundation and pipes of your house.
Additionally, cedar tree roots do not cause problems for the nearby plants with its invasiveness. That is why cedar tree is a perfect choice as an ornamental or foundation tree.
Does Cedar tree spread or multiply?
The root system of Cedar tree is known for spreading far and wide. But it does not mean that cedar tree is capable of multiplying using its spreading roots.
In fact, the multiplying process of Cedar tree happens in the form of cones. The cedar tree has the ability to create both female cones and male cones on it. The roots of Cedar tree do mot participate in the multiplying process.
Final Thoughts
Cedar tree is famous for possessing a mildly invasive root system. The mildly invasive roots are shallow as well and can reach only four feet into the soil. However, some cedar trees have roots that can reach as much as twenty five feet deep into the ground.