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Maple Tree Root System – Are Maple Tree Roots Invasive?

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Maple trees are mostly found in Asia. But there are also maple trees in other continents as well. The family that maple tree belongs to is known by the name Sapindaceae. Different trees have different root systems. 

Today, we are going to discuss and find out about the root system of maple trees. 

Maple tree Root System Explained

The root system of maple trees can be described as non-invasive. However, some varieties of maple trees do have invasive roots. But it is a very small percentage. Maple trees mostly have shallow roots that do not go deep into the ground and stay within one and a half feet of the soil.

There are many varieties of maple tree available throughout the world. Those varieties do not share a common root system and can differ from each other. Let’s discuss in detail about some of them and find out about their root system. 

Japanese maple tree:

The scientific name of the Japanese maple tree is Acer palmatum. But the good thing about the Japanese maple tree is that it has a non-invasive root system. So it does not cause problems for the plants and structures around it.  

Red maple tree:

Red maple tree is also known by the name of swamp maple. Red maple tree’s root system can be described as mildly invasive as it possesses the ability to cause problems for other plants and structures. 

Silver maple tree:

The important thing to remember here is that the Silver maple tree possesses the most invasive root system out of all the species of maple trees. 

Additionally, it has excessively shallow roots that can cause serious problems for the plants and structures around it because of its invasiveness. 

Florida maple tree:

The Florida maple tree got its name because of its birth place. But the good thing about Florida maple trees is that they have a mildly invasive root system. So it is safe to grow other plants around it in the garden. 

Florida maple tree is also a safe option as a sidewalk ornamental tree. 

Autumn blaze maple tree:

The autumn blaze maple tree is the genetic combination of silver maple tree and red maple tree. The root system of autumn blaze maple trees can be described as being invasive. It has the ability to create problems for the other plants and structures of the garden and near it. 

Sugar maple tree:

The sugar maple tree also goes by the name of rock maple tree. The root system of the sugar maple tree can be labeled as being shallow. 

Despite having shallow roots, the sugar maple tree does not create problems for other plants in the garden because of its non-invasive nature. 

Armstrong maple tree:

The Armstrong maple tree is not known for possessing a non-invasive root system. The reason behind this is the moderately slow growth rate of its roots. But another thing that can be said about its root system is that the roots are shallow. 

Amur maple tree:

The Amur maple tree is also known by the name of the Siberian maple tree. The Amur maple tree’s root system can be described as invasive due its spreading or multiplying ability. It is not a good choice as an ornamental tree for sidewalks and gardens. 

Trident maple tree:

The Trident maple tree is mostly found in parts of Asia. It is not known for having an invasive root system. It is true that it can easily branch out its roots. But this does not make it an invasive root system. 

Does Maple tree have deep roots?

According to gardening experts, most of the maple trees have shallow roots. They have such shallow roots that some parts of the root will come out of the soil when the tree grows up and gains maturity.

The shallow root system of maple trees can cause problems for the concrete structures and other plants nearby. However, the shallowness of maple trees varies. Some varieties of maple trees might have shallower or deeper roots compared to others. 

How deep are Maple tree roots?

Maple trees have an incredibly shallow root system. So their roots do not reach that much deep into the ground. Most varieties of maple trees have a root system that can reach as far as one and a half feet deep into the ground

The shallowness and invasiveness possessed by some maple trees’ root system can be destructive for other plants and structures around them. Planting a maple tree with shallow roots is not a great option for gardens and sidewalks. 

Do maple trees have a large root system?

Maple trees are famous for having a large root system. The root system of maple trees can branch out far and wide from its origin point. It has been noticed by gardening experts that the roots of fully grown maple trees can spread as far as one hundred feet from the tree itself. 

Some of the maple trees can create issues for other plants in the garden because of their large root system. Maple trees enjoy having such a large root system and use it to their advantage most of the time. 

How big are Maple tree roots?

If we use the word big to describe the root system of Maple trees, then it would be an understatement. Because a mature maple tree’s root system has the ability to spread as far and wide as one hundred feet from the trunk

But the average spread of a maple tree’s root system is considered as twenty five feet from its origin point. The big root system of Maple trees can be both a blessing and a curse. It can be a blessing for the maple tree itself and a curse for the plants and structure around it. 

What type of root system do maple trees have?

Different varieties of maple trees have different root systems. So it can be difficult to describe the exact type of root system maple trees have. However, we can discuss the common traits of the most maple trees below to draw a conclusion about the type of maple trees’ root system. 

Non invasive:

Most of the maple trees have non invasive roots. Their non-invasiveness makes them an ideal choice as a garden plant. Most maple trees do not cause problems for other plants of the garden and do not harm the foundation and pipes of the home.

Shallow:

Another trait of the maple tree’s root system is its shallowness. Most of the maple trees are blessed with shallow roots and they can go as far as one and a half feet into the ground. But some rare varieties of Maple trees can go up to three feet in the ground.

Large:

Another thing that can be said about the root system of maple trees is that they are large. On an average, the roots of maple trees can spread up to twenty five feet from its point of origin. 

Fibrous:

It can also be said that most of the maple tree varieties possess a fibrous root system. But this can become a problem if the roots are both invasive and shallow. 

Are Maple tree roots invasive?

Most varieties of maple trees have non invasive roots. But the ones that have invasive roots can cause serious problems for the plants and structures around it with its invasiveness. 

If the roots of a maple tree are both invasive and strong, then it should not be planted near a sidewalk or a building. 

The most invasive varieties of maple trees include silver maple tree and Norway maple tree. On the other hand, Japanese maple trees and sugar maple trees are the most non-invasive varieties of maple trees.

Can Maple tree roots damage foundation or pipes?

Some of the maple trees can potentially damage foundation and pipes due to its invasive and strong roots. But most of the maple trees do not have the ability to cause problems for foundation and pipes because of their non-invasiveness. 

For example, Japanese maple tree and sugar maple tree can be a safe choice for your garden as it will not damage the foundation or the pipes of the house with their roots. 

Do Maple trees spread or multiply?

Some varieties of Maple trees are known for spreading or multiplying at a great rate. For example, the Amur maple tree can become so good at spreading or multiplying that it puts the other species at risk and hampers their survivability. 

All the varieties of maple trees do not spread or multiply as good and fast as Amur maple trees. But the ones that do spread or multiply can be very hard to stop. 

Final Thoughts

Most of the maple trees have a non-invasive and shallow root system. The non-invasiveness of the maple trees is considered as a good trait. But the shallowness of their root system can be problematic for other plants in the garden. Their shallow and fibrous roots can hurt the foundation and pipes.

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