Root system of Smooth serviceberry (A. laevis) and Showy mountain-ash (Sorbus decora) - Ask Extension
Do these trees have shallow or deep running roots? Do the roots extend beyond the crown of the trees? Will the roots damage driveways or foundations o...
Knowledgebase
Root system of Smooth serviceberry (A. laevis) and Showy mountain-ash (Sorbus decora) #840706
Asked July 14, 2023, 3:25 PM EDT
Do these trees have shallow or deep running roots? Do the roots extend beyond the crown of the trees? Will the roots damage driveways or foundations or berried pipes?
Thank you
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Most web pages for trees do not mention their root structure. There is one comment about roots on this Wisconsin site.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/serviceberry-amelanchier-spp/ Note the following rather inclusive site does not include root information.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amelanchier-laevis/
No root information found for Mountain Ash. All trees are likely to have roots that extend beyond the "drip line." Roots will usually go around buried utilities. Go to an arboretum and try to find these trees and see if they have roots that are partially exposed on top of the ground.
https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/iowa_trees/trees/showy_mountain_ash.html
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/serviceberry-amelanchier-spp/ Note the following rather inclusive site does not include root information.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amelanchier-laevis/
No root information found for Mountain Ash. All trees are likely to have roots that extend beyond the "drip line." Roots will usually go around buried utilities. Go to an arboretum and try to find these trees and see if they have roots that are partially exposed on top of the ground.
https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/iowa_trees/trees/showy_mountain_ash.html
