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The Daily Insight

Do sweetgum trees have deep roots?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jun 04, 2026

Do sweetgum trees have deep roots?

Plant trees 8 to 10 feet or more from curbs. Some communities have large numbers of Sweetgum planted as street trees. Much of the root system is shallow (particularly in its native, moist habitat), but there are deep vertical roots directly beneath the trunk in well-drained and in some other soils.

How deep do sweet gum tree roots go?

About 90 percent of a eucalyptus tree’s roots grow in the top 12 inches of soil. This shallow root system grows rapidly, and along with a strong taproot, the lateral roots are vital to keeping a eucalyptus tree upright. A eucalyptus tree’s taproot must grow down into the soil at least 6 feet to ensure good anchorage.

What’s the best way to remove roots from a sweetgum tree?

Saturate the sweetgum tree stump with the herbicide mixture immediately after cutting the tree. Stump grinders remove remaining parts of dead or freshly cut trees. Because surface roots of a sweetgum tree develop during maturity, sweetgum trees may grow too large for non-professional use of a stump grinder.

What happens to the root system of a sweet gum tree?

Much of the root system of a Sweet Gum tree is shallow (just beneath the surface of the soil. As the tree gets older, the roots become larger around in size and start to push up through the soil.

Is it OK to cut off the roots of trees?

However, cutting out surface tree roots is not advisable as tree roots offer structural support and provide a nutrient flow that supports growth and vigor. When damaged, tree roots attract pests and pathogens. Trees that experience root removal or serious root damage can express top canopy death on the side the roots were harmed.

Can you use a stump grinder on a sweetgum tree?

Stump grinders remove remaining parts of dead or freshly cut trees. Because surface roots of a sweetgum tree develop during maturity, sweetgum trees may grow too large for non-professional use of a stump grinder.

Can a sweetgum tree be removed from the ground?

Sweetgum trees (Liquidambar Styraciflua) sometimes grow overbearing root systems that bulge from the ground and damage landscape features. Their roots compete for soil nutrients and may cause damage to surrounding plants and trees. Killing your sweetgum tree and removing its root system saves gardening time by…

Why are the roots of my Sweet Gum Tree getting bigger?

As the tree gets older, the roots become larger around in size and start to push up through the soil. Over time, these exposed roots can lift sidewalks, interfere with mowing, and create a tripping hazard in the yard. Most tree experts would advise you to NOT cover the exposed roots of your tree with soil.

What happens if you cut down a sweet gum tree?

This means that any damage sustained to the trunk that results in a substantial loss of bark will certainly have an effect on the performance of the tree. Bark loss that extends all the way around the girth of the tree spells certain death.

How big is the root system of a sweetgum tree?

Sweetgum trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 10. Sweetgum trees develop surface roots as it matures and severing one major root within a small diameter of the trunk may kill up to 25 percent of the tree’s root system.