Soil compaction, change in soil depth and improper watering can injure roots, increasing stress and susceptibility to disease and Insects. To avoid root disease, maintain a healthy, vigorous environment around a tree. Once a root system is severely affected, the tree usually must be removed. The root system of a tree performs many vital functions. In winter, it is a store-house for essential food reserves needed by the tree to produce spring foliage.
Roots absorb and transport water and minerals from the soil to the rest of the tree.
Roots also anchor the portion of the tree above ground. It is important to keep the portion above ground healthy to ensure an adequate food supply for the roots to continue their important functions. Tree root systems consist of large perennial roots and smaller, short-lived, feeder roots. The large, woody tree roots and their primary branches increase in size and grow horizontally. They are predominantly located in the top 6 to 24 inches of the soil and usually do not grow deeper than 3 to 7 feet.