Tree roots Tree roots Forest Measurement and Modelling. Thus measurement of the root mass may be important to determine the health and growth potential of the tree.
Tree roots can also be large accumulations of woody material.
Thus, their size is important in determining carbon sequestration and carbon pool size. Tree roots however are not always benign. The pressure exerted by roots as they grow can damage buildings, roadways and paths. Many urban centres spend millions of dollars erecting root barriers and repairing damage caused by growing roots. Unfortunately, measurement of total mass of mature tree roots is difficult and rare.