Length of Roots on the Red Maple Tree

The red maple develops surface roots.

Also known as the scarlet maple, swamp maple and by several other names, the red maple tree develops a unique root system that spiders away from the tree a considerable distance.

Taproot Length

Upon germination of the red maple tree seedling, a taproot of 1 to 2 inches in length forms horizontally within the upper 10 inches of soil. "As the woody roots extend sideways, non-woody fans of feeder roots extend upward, mostly within the upper 8 centimeters (3 inches) of mineral soil," says the United States Forest Service.

Woody Roots

The length of roots on the red maple tree may eventually stretch as long as 80 feet, mostly horizontally. The roots of the tree often develop differently depending on their environment and the moisture content of the soil. This characteristic of adaptation in the root system extends from seedling stage through maturity.

Considerations

With horizontal roots extending as far as 80 feet, it is not surprising that the red maple tree often develops surface roots. The University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service indicates that these roots often are capable of disrupting sidewalks, but to a lesser extent than other types of maple.

References

• United States Forest Service: Red Maple
• University of Florida Cooperative Extension: Acer rubrum