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GreatBigPig t1_j6gmb9z wrote

Reply to comment by [deleted] in TIL redwood trees -- growing to heights of 350 feet or more (over 100 meters) -- have roots that go only about ten feet into the ground. by OccludedFug

As nearby trees seem to be closer than 80 feet apart, wouldn't the roots entwine with other redwoods? Silly question, but I know little of trees.

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Mbyrd420 t1_j6h3z6p wrote

Yes. But that's what trees do. There are numerous fungi that allow communication between trees, even if different species. And those same networks can transport nutrients all around a grove of trees.

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MechanicalAxe t1_j6l85r6 wrote

Yes, the roots do most certainly entwine in a forest. For the most part, you can assume that most tree's root systems expand as wide are their limbs do.

While they are competing for sunlight and nutrients, they actually help eachother against being blown over by the roots pulling, and the limbs pushing against eachother.

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