The lemon tree (Citrus limon) is one of the most popular and widely planted fruit trees across the world due to its ability to grow in diverse climates and its ability to yield sweet yet sour lemons for cooking, medicinal and ornamental purposes. This article aims to discuss the extent to which lemon tree roots spread from their original planting site.
The spread of lemon tree roots vary according to several factors such as soil composition, aeration, moisture content, environmental conditions and methods of planting. Generally speaking, lemon tree roots extend far beyond the canopy or crown of the tree, often forming a large, expansive root system. Depending on the conditions, root systems may spread up to 3 metres in diameter, with roots growing vertically downwards to depths of 1.5 metres.
The lemon tree’s root system consists of two main types; lateral and tap roots. Lateral roots, also known as fibrous or secondary roots, are responsible for absorbing and transporting water and nutrients to the tree. These lateral roots can spread out from the trunk more than initially anticipated, with some becoming more prominent than the tap root depending on the soil conditions. Generally speaking, lateral roots smother the ground beneath the tree and can crowd out any other kind of vegetation for up to 1.5 metres from the trunk.
In contrast, tap roots are more so specialised in the sense that they penetrate further into the soil to serve as an anchor for the tree and help to support it when the soil is wet. The tap root of a lemon tree may reach a depth of 1.5 metres in average soil conditions, though it is thought that, depending on the soil type,roots are capable of extending up to 2 or 3 metres in length.
Finally, secondary roots also play an important role, particularly in aiding with the absorption of water in times of drought. These roots are typically better developed in soils where water is lacking, allowing them to spread further in search of moisture in order to minimise water loss and ensure that the plant can draw the water it needs to survive and flourish.
Impacts Of Lemon Tree Roots
The spread of lemon tree roots may have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the environment surrounding them, impacting such things as the soil and wildlife in the area. On the one hand, lemon tree roots serve to aerate the soil and add nitrogen and other minerals to it, making it more fertile and better suited to supporting other types of plants and wildlife. Additionally, the roots can act like an additional layer of protection to the tree in stormy weather or other potential climates, helping to stabilise it against wind or other external forces.
On the other hand, however, the expansion of lemon tree roots can be detrimental to other species of plants. Lateral roots can cause the soil to be compacted and any attempts at planting other vegetation near the root system is often thwarted due to lack of space and lack of nutrients. Additionally, the tree’s propensity for water absorption in times of drought can lead to other nearby plants and vegetation struggling, since the lemon tree is so well-suited to absorbing it from the environment.
Effects On Build Structures
Lemon trees may also influence human-engineered structures, predominantly those in or near their root system. Since lemon tree roots can spread horizontally to depths of several metres, there is a possibility that they may come into contact with underground plumbing or other structures, causing them to be damaged or disrupted. This is the reason why it is vital to consider the size and spread of the root system before choosing to plant a lemon tree several metres away from a wall or other structure, to prevent such damage from occurring.
Furthermore, lemon tree roots are known to be strong and resilient. This can be both a blessing and a curse, given that they can be incredibly effective at stabilising the tree against wind and other weather conditions, but be equally capable of causing damage on their own accord. For example, the roots may lift paving stones or other items up from their position, resulting in trips and falls or other types of physical damage. Therefore, before planting a lemon tree, it is essential to assess the likelihood of this damage and ensure that the necessary safety measures are in place.
Root Pruning
Root pruning is an important step in the maintenance of any lemon tree to ensure that its root system does not become overgrown. Pruning helps the roots to stay within the desired boundaries and decreases the risk of any damage or disruption to the surrounding area. Root pruning should be carried out once a year and involves cutting away excess roots that have spread beyond the desired boundary. Since the roots may reach up to 3 metres in diameter, pruning is essential in order to ensure that this does not occur.
Additionally, root pruning can also be beneficial for the tree itself and helps to keep it healthy and free from pests and diseases. By cutting away any diseased or unhealthy roots, as well as any dead or decaying matter, it reduces the risk of any potential problems developing in the coming seasons. Moreover, it also separates the roots from areas where they may cause damage to underground lines or buildings, thus minimising the chances of the root system causing any disruption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lemon trees are well known for their expansive root systems, especially given their durability and resilience to adverse weather conditions. Understanding the spread of the root system and assessing the potential impacts is a key part of deciding where to place one of these trees. Additionally, it is important to remember that root pruning should be carried out each year in order to keep the roots contained and to minimise the risk of any disruption or damage occurring.
