Linden roots cause damage »These problems can arise

Root growth

The root development does not differ between winter and summer linden. Tilia cordata and platyphyllos are among the heart roots that develop an irregular root system. The roots reach manageable expansions in a horizontal and vertical orientation, as the roots grow short and stocky. They branch out early and form a high proportion of fine roots, so that the entire bale thrives compactly.

The heart root system:

• Mixed form of taproot and flat spreading lateral roots
• hemispherical appearance
• reminds in cross section of the shape of a heart

Linden trees take root that deep

If you plan to plant a linden tree in the garden, you should be familiar with the root depths. The roots of Tilia species reach a maximum depth of 1.5 meters after 20 to 30 years if the soil consists of sandy loam. In the case of loess clay, the expansion is somewhat more restricted.

Reaches of up to 0.8 meters are common on sandy surfaces, gravel and gravel. Due to poor ventilation, heavy clay and loam soils ensure that the trees have mainly flat roots in the topsoil and that the lower soil layers are poorly accessible.

Avoid problems in the garden

Linden trees show good stability in storms because of their medium depth of rooting. However, the root system of the Linden tree in the garden can quickly lead to problems as soon as it comes into contact with underground pipes or the tree grows too close to sidewalks. Slabs can rise over the years as the roots spread in the ground and damage to power cables and water pipes cannot be ruled out.

Preventive measures

It is possible to cut the root ball of planted trees. To do this, the Treetop can be thinned out and reduced in size. A radical method is that Head cut. The root system is then exposed and dammed. Since this intervention can negatively affect the stability of the tree, you should hire a specialist company for old trees. Cables can be shielded from the roots with root protection sheets.

Keep the tree small

Regularly remove branches in the upper and outer areas of the crown during the growing season. Thus, you redirect the growth to young shoots. Make sure that the tree retains sufficient buds in the inner and lower parts of the crown. In this way you prevent uncontrolled budding in undesirable places. Repeat this measure about two to three times until summer. The intervention keeps the expansion within limits, which is also noticeable in the root growth.