Pine root system: features, growing a tree

Pine is a unique coniferous tree that stands out for its attractiveness. In addition, the pine root system is quite interesting. Often such trees are planted near houses, as they are a nice decoration for the yard. But it is worth knowing the rules for growing this tree and taking into account the characteristics of the rhizome.

Content:

• Features of the root system
• How to plant a pine tree?
• Pine tree care
• A haircut

Features of the root system

The pine rhizome is plastic. Today, the root system of this tree is divided into 4 types, each of which differs in shape and structure. Namely:

• Powerful root system. It is characterized by a taproot from which lateral roots also grow. This can often be found in areas with fresh soil that is well drained. A powerful root system, in which the main rod is not very developed, which cannot be said about the lateral roots. They grow and are characterized by a parallel location to the surface of the earth. This rhizome can be found where the soil is dry and the groundwater is hidden deep underground.
• Poorly expressed root system. It consists of short roots that branch in different directions. The ideal habitat for a pine with such a rhizome is a swamp and semi-swamp area where the soil is too moist.
• Shallow root system. Despite the fact that it does not go very deep into the ground, it is quite thick.Its appearance resembles a brush. This species grows on dense soil, where groundwater is deep.

From this we can conclude that the type of pine root system is directly related to the structure of the soil on which it grows and develops. This tree is especially valued for the plasticity of its rhizome. After all, pine trees are used for planting even on poor and swampy soils. In this way, you can landscape such areas.

The root system will develop only when temperatures exceed 3 degrees. Other conifers are more frost-resistant and can grow at low temperatures. The rhizome is taproot, so the tree is not afraid of strong winds. It penetrates 2.2-2.5 m deep into the soil. But the roots grow to the sides by 8-10 m.

How to plant a pine tree?

When selected seedling, it is worth taking a good look at the rhizome, as well as at the earthen lump. The age of a young tree should be no more than 5 years. If the seedling is already old enough, then it is better to place it in a permanent place in winter, when the lump of earth is still frozen.

Experienced gardeners distinguish 2 periods when coniferous trees can be planted:

1. In the spring. Planting takes place in April or May.
2. Autumn period. The seedling is planted in August and September.

Initially, a hole is dug, the depth of which should be about 80-100 cm. If the soil is heavy, drainage is necessary. Gravel or sand is laid at the bottom of the dug hole. It is recommended to bury the seedling with a combination of fertile soil, sand and turf soil.

If the soil is acidic, then it needs to be limed. To do this, add 200 grams of slaked lime. During all manipulations, you should pay attention to ensure that the neck of the root is placed at ground level.If group planting is carried out, then it is worth leaving space for the development of the root system and the tree itself. There should be 1.5-4 meters between seedlings.

Video about the pine root system:

If you adhere to all planting rules, then the pine tree will easily adapt to a new place without suffering from diseases. Often young seedlings tolerate well transplant. But the older the tree, the harder it is for it to get used to a new place, so it is worth taking into account the age of the pine.

Pine tree care

Pines are an unpretentious tree, so they do not require careful care. But, nevertheless, some attention should be paid to them. After planting, fertilizing is necessary for 2 years. To do this, mineral fertilizers are added to the soil. After this, you don’t have to feed the tree.

Experienced gardeners advise not to touch the needles that fall from the pine tree. It forms an excellent litter where organic nutrients accumulate. This will speed up the growth of the tree and improve development. Pine trees can easily tolerate drought, so it is not necessary to water them. Watering should be done after planting and during the growth period of the young tree.

But pine trees don’t like stagnant water; even those varieties that love moisture need infrequent watering, which is carried out several times a season.

When the plant has developed well, it will easily survive the winter. But for young seedlings of decorative varieties it is worth creating protection from the scorching sun, as it leaves burns. To do this, the needles are covered with spruce branches or planted nearby near other trees that will create shade. Such protective shelters are removed in mid-spring.

A haircut

Often, pine trees do not need pruning.But with this procedure you can slow down the development of the tree. As a result, the density of the crown will increase. This does not require special materials; it is enough to break off a third of the young growth.

But using simple tricks, you can transform an ordinary pine tree into a bonsai or a small tree. An umbrella-shaped haircut is used for this. In order to maintain the shape and decorativeness of a bonsai, it is necessary to pay attention to the tree and care for it. Shoots are pruned once a year.

So, pine is an interesting tree that has its own characteristics. Each part of it is unique, right down to the root system, which is different from other plants. To grow a pine tree, it is enough to know a few rules.