Laurel is one of the most widely known shrub plants throughout the world. The scientific name of the laurel plant is Laurus nobilis. Bay laurel and grecian laurel are other names that laurel goes by.
Today, we are going to discuss the root system of the Laurel plant and find out whether its roots are invasive or not.
Laurel Root System Explained
Laurel plants are famous for having both invasive and non-invasive roots. There are many laurel varieties that possess an invasive root system while others can be seen having a non invasive root system. But the roots of laurel plants do not go deep into the soil.
There are many varieties of laurel available in the world. Their root systems sometimes may differ from each other. Let’s discuss in detail about some of them and find out the nature of their root system.
Portuguese laurel:
The scientific name of Portuguese laurel is Prunus lusitanica. The root system of Portuguese laurel can be described as invasive. The roots of Portuguese laurel are shallow as well. Portuguese laurel’s invasive roots can be problematic for other plants around it.
Texas mountain laurel:
Texas mountain laurel also goes by the name of Mescal bean. The roots of Texas mountain laurel are mildly invasive in nature. But the important thing to remember about this plant is that it has a deep taproot.
Cherry laurel:
The other names of Cherry laurel include English laurel. The root system of Cherry laurel can be labeled as being invasive. But their roots do not go very deep into the ground. The invasive root system of Cherry laurel can be a problem for other plants of the garden.
Mountain laurel:
The botanical name of Mountain laurel is Kalmia latifolia. Mountain laurel’s root system can be described as invasive. Additionally, Mountain laurel’s roots are not deep and can be found in the upper part of the soil.
California bay laurel:
California bay laurel also goes by the name of Oregon myrtle. Generally, California bay laurel does not have invasive roots. But its roots can start acting invasive in order to survive. On top of that, its root system is quite shallow.
Camphor laurel:
The scientific name of Cinnamomum camphora is camphor laurel. Camphor laurel is one of the varieties of laurel plant that is known for having an invasive root system. But the roots of camphor laurel are shallow and do not go deep into the ground.
Indian laurel:
Indian laurel is also known by the names of Malayan banyan and gajumaru. Indian laurel is famous for having invasive roots. Its shallow roots can create problems for other plants and structures with their invasiveness.
Carolina cherry laurel:
Prunus caroliniana is the scientific name of California cherry laurel. The Carolina cherry laurel plant is not known for having an invasive root system. The roots of Carolina cherry laurel are very shallow as well.
Ficus laurel:
Ficus laurel is also known by the name of weeping fig. This plant is famous as an ornamental shrub. Ficus laurel possesses a highly invasive root system. It can cause problems for other plants and structures with its shallow and invasive roots.
Laurel leaf willow:
Laurel leaf willow is also known by the name of Bay willow. It is mostly found in parts of Asia and Europe. Laurel leaf willow has an invasive root system. Its roots are described as shallow too.
Does laurel have deep roots?
Laurel is not known in the botanical world for having deep roots. Most varieties of Laurel possess a root system that does not have a deep root system. Only the taproot of the laurel plant goes deep into the ground.
The lateral roots stay in the top part of the soil and do not go deep into the ground. So it can be said without a doubt that laurel does not have deep enough roots.
How deep are laurel roots?
The Laurel plant does not have deep roots. The roots of laurel can go as deep as thirty eight inches or four feet into the ground. Most laurel varieties have been known for producing roots that go only twenty eight inches into the ground.
However, laurel plants can produce a deep taproot that can reach more than five feet into the ground. But the lateral roots of laurel can not go deep into the soil and tend to stay in the high part of the soil.
Does laurel have shallow roots?
It is believed by gardening experts that laurel plants possess excessively shallow roots. But their shallow roots can spread far and wide. The reason behind this is that laurel plants gather much needed food nutrients and water with the use of their shallow roots.
The shallow roots of laurel plants are able to spread wide due to their invasiveness. But their shallowness can become detrimental for the other plants and structures near them.
What kind of root system does laurel have?
Laurel has many varieties throughout the world. So it can be difficult to describe the root system of laurel. Let’s discuss in detail to find out what kind of root system laurel has.
Both invasive and non invasive:
The interesting thing about the root system of laurel is that it can have both invasive and non-invasive root systems due to different varieties. Many laurel varieties have highly or mildly invasive root systems.
On the other hand, some varieties are also known for having a non-invasive root system.
Shallow roots:
Another thing that can be said about the root system of laurel plants is that its roots are shallow. In fact, ninety percent of laurel roots can be found within two feet of the topsoil. The shallow roots of laurel can cause havoc for other plants.
Fast growing roots:
The root system of laurel possesses a fast growth rate. Due to this growth rate, laurel plants are able to root easily.
Does laurel root easily?
One important thing about laurel plants is that their roots can grow at a fast rate. It is believed by gardening experts that the roots of laurel will keep growing at a fast rate if there is no obstacle in the way.
Often the roots of laurel keep growing faster in order to survive. Laurel plants need water and food nutrients just like other plants. The roots of laurel help the plant gather these food nutrients and water ny rooting easily.
How big are Laurel roots?
The root system of Laurel roots is shallow. So its roots are not that big. The biggest root of the laurel plant is its taproot. Laurel’s taproot has been known for going ten feet deep into the ground. The other roots of laurel like the lateral roots can go only four feet into the soil.
On the other hand, the roots of laurel plants can spread very easily. So the roots may spread as far as twenty feet from the point of origin.
Are laurel roots invasive?
Laurel roots can be described as being both invasive and non-invasive based on the different variety. Because some varieties of laurel can be seen having a highly invasive root system.
The root system of these varieties are so invasive that it can hamper the growth of other plants in the garden.
Laurel also has some varieties that have a non-invasive root system. These laurel varieties do not cause problems for other plants and structures. As laurel has a shallow root system, invasiveness or non-invasiveness can be a crucial factor in deciding its planting status.
Can Laurel roots damage foundation or pipes?
The laurel plants have an excessively shallow root system. If their shallowness is accompanied by invasive roots, then it can potentially damage the nearby foundation or pipes.
The roots of laurel plants are fibrous enough to be problematic towards the other plants of the garden too. But if you are going to plant a non-invasive variety of laurel in your garden, then it should not be a problem for the optimum growth of other plants.
The foundation and pipes will not be affected by a non invasive laurel plant too.
Does laurel spread or multiply?
The Laurel plant has the capability to spread or multiply. The multiplying process of laurel plant can be given a boost by planting a root cutting. The reason behind this is that laurel plants root easily and can grow at a rapid rate using their roots.
It is possible for laurel plants to spread or multiple with the growing capabilities of their root cuttings. Gardening experts suggest the root cutting method more than any other spreading or multiplying method.
Final Thoughts
Most of the laurel plants are known for possessing a shallow root system. The roots of the laurel plant reach only three to four feet deep. The taproot of laurel plants does go deeper into the soil. Laurel plants can end up with either invasive or non-invasive root systems depending on the variety.