The Areca palm, often known as the Golden cane palm, is a very adaptable plant that originated in Madagascar. Additionally, the plant is excellent for subtropical climates and is quite adaptable in terms of its benefits and ornamental uses.
Let us now investigate the root system of the Golden Cane Palm to determine whether or not it is invasive in nature.
Golden cane palm Root System Explained
Golden Cane Palm trees have a fibrous, non-invasive root structure. In other words, depending on the soil’s quality, they develop thin, fibrous roots with a diameter of about 10 mm that extend out horizontally and remain near to the soil’s surface, creating a large nest-like structure.
Due to its fibrous root system, this plant has a propensity to develop root balls and spread far, which, if not handled carefully or properly calculated before the tree’s installation.
It also can sometimes cause issues like damage to pipes or other objects, a lack of nutrients for other plants, etc.
These plants are grown indoors for ornamental purposes in areas where the climate is too cold for them to thrive. Swimming pools, unretained gardens, and housing foundations are some more locations where their presence is found to be wonderful.
There are mainly two types of root systems: (a) Tap root system and, (b) Fibrous root system. Golden cane palm trees are monocots, which means they have a fibrous root system.
Unlike a tap root system, where the root grows down vertically, the fibrous root system remains closer to the surface for ease of access to minerals and nutrients and grows horizontally. The more a trunk grows, the more extensive and far-reaching the roots spread instead of growing vertically south.
However, it is suggested against planting a Golden Cane Palm tree within ten meters of a building or home as the roots can spread out along the grooves and become highly harmful if not constantly maintained or controlled.
Does Golden cane palm have deep roots?
No, the Golden cane palms don’t have deep roots. Their roots are shallow rather than deep, in contrast, to tap roots, which extend deeper into the ground vertically. They have a fibrous root structure, which accounts for this.
The complete opposite of a taproot is a fibrous root structure. The roots of Golden Cane Palm trees, in contrast, are thin and fibrous, growing from the stem and staying near the soil’s surface.
To support the tree as its trunk expands, the roots organize into a tight network that resembles a bushy nest. These plants’ roots require ongoing attention and investigation because of their nature, so they don’t get out of hand.
How Deep Are Golden cane palm Roots?
The Golden cane palm tree has shallow roots that do not exceed 36 inches from the surface of the soil – for the ease of absorption of water and nutrients–and are fibrous.
This means, instead of going downward and deep—as a taproot does—they spread in the form of thin, fibrous filaments, forming a matted structure that doesn’t grow beyond approximately 36 inches from the top of the soil.
They spread horizontally and remain narrow despite the trunk growing longer and forming a root ball from the origination point.
What kind of root system does a golden cane palm have?
The golden cane palm can have the following root system –
Fibrous Root System:
Golden cane palm trees have a fibrous root system. These roots don’t grow deep into the soil and remain close to the surface of the soil, where it’s easier to have access to water and nutrients. They are dense, thin, and fibrous and form a net-like structure.
Horizontal:
The roots—unlike taproots, which tend to grow vertically—grow and elongate horizontally, since they tend to remain closer to the surface of the soil. Instead of forming deep root structures.
They spread around and away from their point of origin, and the roots remain shallow.
Adventitious Roots:
Due to their nature of remaining close to the surface for the ease of nutrients and water, these roots tend to grow adventitious roots.
This means, these roots grow some roots that tend to remain exposed and on the surface of the soil, rather than below it, for many reasons.
Root ball:
Despite the roots of this tree being shallow (36 inches deep) and remaining close to the surface, the tree stands tall and strong.
This is because it forms a dense structure of roots and spreads away from the stem, forms a root ball, and keeps the tree anchored tightly to the soil.
Are Golden cane palm Roots Invasive?
No, the golden cane palm roots aren’t invasive. They don’t have taproots, and the roots aren’t thick or deep. Rather, the roots of these trees are non-invasive and less prone to destruction.
This is a result of their fibrous root system, which frequently produces thin, thread-like roots. When frequently and carefully treated, these roots are not powerful enough to destroy any form of sturdy building.
However, trees have the potential to become highly invasive and dangerous as they develop because of their tendency to grow along any surface and spread their roots widely.
Can Golden cane palm roots damage foundation or pipes?
The root system of the golden cane palm trees is non-invasive. As a result, the roots tend to be thin and lack the capability to be strong enough to cause damage to strong foundations and pipes.
Moreover, the roots typically take a very long time to spread and, with a little bit of routine upkeep, are predictable enough not to pose an immediate threat. The roots won’t significantly harm the foundation or pipes unless there is already minor damage.
However, if the building or pipes are already damaged, the roots will move in and cause more harm to the whole foundation.
Do Golden cane palm spread or multiply?
Golden cane palm trees, by no means, multiply. Rather, they spread extensively, and if not managed with care, or pruned regularly, the results might be unsightly and destructive.
When the growth of these trees isn’t maintained, the roots spread a lot. Due to the root system being fibrous, the plant remains anchored to the soil with the help of forming root balls, which requires a huge amount of area.
Even though these plants have very thin roots, their roots can grow between the grooves of different structures and cause damage to them.
How to remove Golden cane palm Roots?
Due to their nature of growing an extensive network and spreading far, golden cane palm roots can sometimes be destructive and might need to be removed. If the trees are large, it is better to call for professional help than do it yourself.
The steps to removing the roots of a golden cane palm are written as follows.
Softening the dirt:
The soil around the tree is initially made softer by water being poured on it. By doing this, the soil is made easier to dig, and finding the location of the roots is made simpler.
Locating the roots:
After that, the roots are discovered by carefully excavating or scooping near the tree until the roots are visible. The process may not be as difficult, and the roots may be simpler to find because these trees have a shallow root system.
Digging a trench:
Once the roots have been located, they are removed with the use of a pruning saw or a set of bypass shears. To remove the system and detach the tree, a trench is dug around it. If needed, more water is poured to locate the system and pruned off.
Removing the tree:
The tree is taken from the ground and transferred after the trench has been dug and the roots have been cut. The area surrounding the tree is shoveled, and any traces of the root system are eliminated, to assure complete removal of the system.
Flattening the earth:
After the tree and its roots have been removed, the holes are filled with soil and raked flat to prepare the area for the planting of new plants or trees.
Final Thoughts
The root system of the Golden Cane Palm is non-invasive. However, trees should be maintained, not planted too close to any foundations, and taken care of in order to prevent confronting damage. Due to the predictability and modest diameter of the roots, the system is easy to manage.