Oak Tree Root Systems for Dummies

A tree's root system

Although we definitely agree that "a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing," we aren't sure whether we prefer that little bit to no knowledge at all. We have to admit that our opinion of the matter is colored by the vast numbers of clueless freelancers – many with liberal arts degrees – attempting to transmit scientific knowledge through the Leaf Group niche sites¹. The hallmarks of these scientific illiterates are their inability to use scientific terms and their misunderstanding of causality. Oh, enough of that. Here's today's DotD nominee, Lauren Miller, and her prize-winning post, "The Root Systems of Oak Trees" at Hunker.com. Why Leaf stuck it there, we have no idea...

Miller opened with an attempt to define oak trees:

"While oak trees (Quercus spp.) [sic] vary in appearance, size and climate preference, depending on the species, they all produce acorns, inconspicuous flowers and develop from a single root system. The slow-growing trees grow in most regions of the U.S., from coastal southeastern states to the Pacific Northwest. Oak trees develop deep tap roots. An oak with a healthy root system can develop into majestic, round-crowned shade tree."

Lauren got much of that right, albeit clumsily, given that it's probably simply reworded from someone who knows what he or she is talking about (unlike our philosophy grad). What isn't quite right is that business about "deep tap roots"; since the tap root of a mature oak tree is far less pronounced than that of a seedling. But never mind... Miller continued rattling off factoids such as,

"Oak tree root systems develop best in slightly acidic, well-draining [sic] soil with ample oxygen and no obstacles such as other large trees, underground pipes and buildings. Do not plant oak trees in places where roots are likely to interfere with sewage system pipes or your home's foundation."

Pretty sure she meant "well-drained"...We suspect that the second line got to the heart of the OQ's question, which was very likely to have simply been, "how far out do oak roots extend from the trunk?" On that note, Miller had nothing to say, just not to let them get "too close" to infrastructure... Oh, she blathered extensively about mycorrhiza, carefully rewording something authoritative (sorry - no references) to avoid plagiarism, and recapitulated someone else's thoughts on transplanting, but nowhere did she mention that the root system extends beyond the dripline – she didn't even use the word, much less define it.

We find that Miller's unfamiliarity with botany in general and oaks in specific, combined with an inability to think of problems related to oak roots, meant that she could not compose a useful answer. Instead, she merely regurgitated disconnected facts while striving to avoid getting nailed for plagiarism. No, not plagiarism: she's been nailed for being the Dumbass of the Day.

[NOTE: in the post's most recent update (28 October 2020), some of the deficiencies we noted have been corrected. We have to wonder: did someone at Leaf Group actually pay attention to our comments?]

¹ Leaf Group used to be Demand Media Studios, and their niche sites used to be eHow.com – aka the mother lode of misinformation...

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