By: Tom Baal
Eight-year-old Sprout loved spending Saturday mornings in his backyard in Lancaster, watching the wind dance through the leaves of the old sycamore tree. But today was different. Today, he noticed something that made him stop mid-step and scratch his head.
“Mom!” he called out, pointing at the base of the tree. “Why is there a big bump in the ground here?”
His mom walked over, her gardening gloves still dirty from planting tomatoes. She smiled when she saw what had caught Sprout’s attention. The recent spring rains had washed away some soil, exposing thick, woody roots that twisted and curved like nature’s own sculpture.
“Those are roots, honey,” she explained, kneeling down beside him. “They’re like the tree’s underground arms, reaching out to find water and food.”
Sprout’s eyes grew wide. He’d always known trees had roots – everyone knew that – but he’d never really thought about what they looked like or what they did all day down there in the dark.
“Can we dig them up and see more?” he asked eagerly.
“Well, we can’t dig up this tree’s roots because that would hurt it,” his mom said gently. “But I have an idea. Remember that small oak tree we planted last year? It’s still in its pot. We could carefully remove some soil and take a peek.”
Ten minutes later, Sprout was crouched over the potted oak tree, carefully brushing away soil with an old paintbrush. What he discovered made him gasp with delight. The roots weren’t just a few thick branches – they were an entire underground city! Tiny white roots, no thicker than thread, spread out in every direction. Some roots were brown and sturdy, while others were so fine they looked like hair.
“Look at all of them!” Sprout whispered, as if speaking too loudly might disturb the root network. “They’re everywhere!”
His mom nodded, clearly enjoying his excitement. “Trees are amazing, aren’t they? Those thick roots you see are like the tree’s main highways – they provide structure and carry water and nutrients up to the trunk and leaves. The tiny white ones are like little explorers, always searching for water and minerals in the soil.”
Sprout leaned closer, his nose almost touching the soil. “Do they ever stop growing?”
“Not really,” his mom chuckled. “As long as the tree is alive and healthy, its roots keep growing and exploring. In fact, a tree’s root system is usually much wider than its canopy. See our sycamore tree?” She pointed to the towering tree that shaded half their backyard. “Its roots probably spread out as far as its branches reach, maybe even farther.”
This revelation blew Sprout’s mind. He looked at their sycamore tree with new respect. All this time, he’d been thinking of it as just the part he could see – the trunk, branches, and leaves. But really, there was an entire hidden half of the tree living right beneath his feet!
“Mom, do you think the roots from our tree touch the roots from Mrs. Garcia’s tree next door?” Sprout asked, his imagination running wild.
“They very well might,” she replied. “Trees are much more connected than most people realize.”
That afternoon, Sprout couldn’t stop thinking about the secret underground world in his own backyard. He grabbed his notebook and colored pencils and started drawing what he imagined it looked like down there. He drew roots reaching toward each other like hands trying to shake. He drew earthworms wiggling between the roots, and he even drew tiny root cities with root mayors and root schools.
When his dad came home from work, Sprout was bursting with excitement to share his discovery.
“Dad, did you know that trees have invisible underground arms that are probably touching every tree in our whole neighborhood?” he announced before his dad had even taken off his work boots.
His dad smiled, the kind of smile parents get when their kids discover something wonderful. “Show me what you learned, buddy.”
Sprout led his dad to the potted oak tree, which they’d carefully replanted after their root investigation. Then he showed his detailed drawings and explained everything he’d learned about tree root systems, using scientific words like “nutrients” and “structure” that made him feel very grown-up and important.
“You know what this means?” his dad said, ruffling Sprout’s hair. “Every time we water our trees or add good soil around them, we’re helping feed not just our trees, but we’re contributing to the health of trees all around our neighborhood.”
That night, as Sprout brushed his teeth before bed, he looked out his bathroom window at the sycamore tree silhouetted against the Lancaster sunset. He couldn’t see the roots, but now he knew they were there – a vast, living network spreading out under his feet, connecting his tree to the world in ways he’d never imagined.
Sprout Needs Your Help
Hey there, young tree explorers! Sprout is so excited about his root discovery that he wants to share the adventure with you. This weekend, ask a grown-up to help you find a small potted plant or tree at home. Very gently, you can brush away a tiny bit of soil from the top to see if you can spot any roots. Remember to be super gentle – roots are delicate! After you look, make sure to put the soil back. Then, grab some paper and draw what you think the underground root world looks like. Are there root highways? Root neighborhoods? Root playgrounds? Let your imagination run wild and create your own underground tree city!
Remember: Every big tree starts with a little helper.
Did You Know?
How deep do tree roots grow?
Most tree roots grow in the top 18-24 inches of soil where they can find the most oxygen, water, and nutrients. Very few roots grow deeper than 6 feet, even on huge trees!
Do tree roots really connect to other trees?
Yes! Tree roots often intertwine with nearby trees, and they can even share nutrients through fungal networks that connect their root systems. Scientists call this the “wood wide web”!
Can tree roots damage sidewalks and driveways?
Sometimes, yes. As roots grow thicker and stronger, they can push up concrete. That’s why arborists like Tip Top help homeowners choose the right trees for the right places.
Tip Top Arborists
Since 1976, Tip Top Arborists has been Southern California’s trusted partner in professional tree care. Based in Lancaster, CA, and surrounding areas—delivering expert tree trimming, removal, and maintenance services with safety, science, and integrity at the core.
We’re not your average “guys with chainsaws.” We’re ISA Certified Arborists with deep industry knowledge, modern equipment, and a commitment to customer care that’s been passed down for nearly five decades. From storm damage cleanup to long-term tree health management, our team helps property owners protect their investment—and enhance their curb appeal—year-round.
Experienced
We have been in the industry for over 45 years. Choosing us means choosing proven experience and expertise.
Insured
Your safety is our highest priority. We are bonded and insured to protect you, your property, and our team.
Licensed
Our contractor’s license #821770 is current and active with the CSLB. Hiring us means hiring licensed tree experts.
Recycling
We are as committed to the environment as we are to our clients. We recycle 100% of all wood and green waste.
