Root System of Black Hills Spruce

The Root System's Job

• A tree's root system provides support for the tree, anchoring it into the ground. It also acts as a tree's vascular system, absorbing water and minerals and transporting them to other parts of the tree. A tree's root system affects tree size, adaptability to certain soils and its response to cultural practices, like watering and fertilizing. Shallow-rooted trees, like black hills spruce, generally respond quickly to applications of fertilizers, but can be susceptible to drought.

Black Hills Spruce Root System

• The fibrous root system of black hills spruce is shallow, which usually means the tree is more susceptible to drought than a tree with a deeper taproot system. However, the fibrous roots spread and inhabit a large amount of shallow soil around the tree's base, making trees fairly drought resistant. While the root system is shallow, it grows outward and downward, anchoring trees and making them excellent windbreaks. These spruces thrive in moist soil and full sun; however, it can adapt to a variety of soils and shade. Established trees can tolerate hot and cold, but do not tolerate soggy, flooded or compacted soil.

Root Disease

• Armillaria root rot is a common fungal disease that attacks trees, including spruce. Black hills spruce suffering from armillaria root rot exhibit symptoms such as discolored leaves that hang on instead of dropping, stem dieback and new buds that fail to open. Honey-colored, fan-shaped fungal growths appear on roots at the base of trunks. The plant can die. Control of armillaria root rot is difficult, because outward signs generally are not visible until the tree is dying.

Other Considerations

• Proper watering is important for healthy root growth and development. Occasional deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering for black hills spruce. Deep watering once a week is beneficial, as it encourages trees to form extensive roots systems that penetrate deeper into the soil and provide a stronger anchor. Daily shallow watering encourages shallow roots that remain close to the soil surface with the water. Black hills spruce has a moderate water need, which means soil should remain moist, but not flooded.