GILMAN, E.F. 1988. Tree root spread in relation to branch dripline and harvestable root ball. Am. Nurseryman 168(11):85.
There is much speculation on depth and spread of tree roots. In this study, I quantified the relationship between horizontal root distribution and branch spread distribution. Six trees of 3 species were excavated. I calculated the mean root spread by averaging the distance between the trunk and root tips in the north, south, west and east directions. All three species had more roots outside the branch dripline than within. Because a significant portion of the roots are indeed beyond the dripline, it is no wonder that even trees that are well-protected during landscape construction often die.
TISSERAT, N., J. PAIR and A. NUS. 1988. Rocky Mountain junipers susceptible to canker disease. Am. Nurseryman 168(11):87-88.
Junipers are an important part of the Kansas landscape. In 1986, however, a new canker disease was found on Juniperus scopulorum in several locations around the state. Botryosphaeria canker is responsible for the extensive dieback.
- © 1990, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.
