You know that old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind?” That’s typically true with Plant Roots — they’re underground, you know, so people don’t often think of them, let alone stay up at night worrying about them. Yet up to 80% of all plant problems are related to either soil or root issues, so it makes sense to pay attention. But why are roots so important, anyway?

Here’s a few of the highlights:

They anchor the plant. Think of the roots as feet that hold a person up. Roots are a plant’s stabilizer, anchoring it into the soil. Deep roots help a plant withstand the elements without toppling over, which is why you sometimes see a young tree staked during the first growing season — the stakes help to keep the tree upright while the roots are getting established. After the first season, the stakes are typically removed so the roots have a chance to develop on their own.

They absorb water and nutrients. Roots are the way a plant gets all its water and food, so if the root system is small and unhealthy, the plant will suffer as a result. Not only that, but you as a gardener will feel as though you simply must throw down extra fertilizer to perk that plant up fast. None of that is necessary if the soil is good and the plant has good, strong roots.

They increase stress/drought tolerance. When your plants’ roots are deep and strong, drought conditions won’t have the same effect on your garden. And heat, disease, and pests? Those plagues go after weak plants first, so guess what? Your healthy plants with the healthy roots won’t be nearly as susceptible to attack from drought, disease, aliens, or zombies.

They lessen soil erosion. If you have some sloping on your property, the risk of soil erosion is real. When soil shifts and erodes, the texture and quality of the soil changes and degrades. However, when you have plants with strong roots on that same slope, the roots serve to keep the soil in place. See how this all works together?

To learn more about how to keep your plants’ roots healthy, check out our article Raise the Root: Happy Roots, Happy Plants.

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