Spring is coming and your tree roots are in the gym

As spring approaches and the temperatures start to rise, trees begin to prepare for their active growth phase. During winter, many trees enter a state of dormancy, where their metabolic processes slow down to conserve energy and protect themselves from cold temperatures. As spring arrives, the tree root system becomes quite active in response to changing environmental conditions. Here’s what the tree root system is doing as spring approaches:

1. Absorbing water and nutrients: As the ground warms up and rainfall increases, the tree roots become more active in absorbing water and essential nutrients from the soil. This is crucial for supporting the tree’s growth and development during the upcoming growing season. Your sewer pipes are an easy source of water and nutrients
2. Sending signals to the rest of the tree: The root system communicates with the above-ground parts of the tree through chemical and hormonal signals. This communication helps coordinate the tree’s growth and responses to the environmental cues.
3. Extending and branching out: Tree roots grow and expand as the soil becomes more suitable for root growth. The root system will extend further into the surrounding soil, and new root branches will form to explore fresh areas for water and nutrients.
4. Establishing new relationships: Many trees form symbiotic relationships with fungi in the soil. These fungi help the tree roots by extending their nutrient-absorbing capacity, and in return, the tree provides sugars produced through photosynthesis to the fungi. During spring, these relationships become more active and beneficial.
5. Repairing and regenerating: Like any living organism, tree roots may experience some damage or stress during winter. As spring arrives, the tree allocates resources to repair and regenerate any damaged parts of the root system.
6. Preparing for shoot growth: The root system plays a crucial role in providing the necessary resources for the tree’s above-ground parts, such as leaves, branches, and buds. As the tree prepares for new shoot growth in spring, the tree root system ramps up its activity to support the upcoming foliage and flower production.

In summary, the tree root system becomes highly active during late winter and early spring, absorbing water and nutrients, establishing beneficial relationships with fungi, extending into new areas, and coordinating with the rest of the tree to support its growth and development throughout the upcoming season.