Can two species of tree share a root system?

[David McCarty]

I work at a golf course in Northern Oakland County, Michigan. We have multiple cases where two species of tree (in this case a Choke Cherry and a White Oak) grow in such close proximity that the trunks merge. My question is do they actually merge to the point where the Cambriam (spelling?) layers merge? There is no swelling as there is when a limb is cut and the tree tries to close the gap. My logic is that each tree is taking the same nutrients from the soil and nothing changes until each species begins to process those nutrients. This is a curiosity question and I am new to this forum so if my question is not appropriate please let me know.

 

[StrataTree]

Welcome to AS

I believe they can, if the trees have grown together they could share each others root systems to some degree while still utilizing their own as well. In this scenario the Cambium layers will merge also. Others who know more than myself though may answer definitively. It would be cool to see a picture!

If Del is right then the Cambium layers will also stay independent, meaning if you were to girdle just one of the trees completely through its own Cambium layer, below the fork(crotch), then it alone will die, being unable to take up nutrients through its neighbor.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

That sort of thing is still illegal in most southern states, we don't put up with that kind of behavior.

 

[sgreanbeans]

I would say no, but, its nature and I have seen many things that are not supposed to be, but they are.

 

[derwoodii]

I got 2 different species big gums so close at the base root zone they must be sharing sumthin. I'll get picture see if bits overlap but won't prove much as gums can hybridize easy as they sleep with any other anytime.

 

[ATH]

Roots can graft...but not the tops.

 

[treesmith]

Damned good question. I know they say the roots do and I've seen different species growing so they definitely look as one, be it stems or branches but the ones I've cut have all been separate. I'd be really interested to know more. Damn I love trees

 

[Fireaxman]

I had two mature trees, a Loblolly (Pine) and an oak growing together. I girdled the loblolly thinking it would help the oak not to have to compete. I am talking a serious girdle, with an ax, 2 feet of cambium, at least a half inch into clean wood. There was no sign of ill health in the loblolly for 2 years other than heavy weeping at the site of the girdle. Then both trees Died, at exactly the same time.

My neighbor injected an oak (drilled a hole and poured in 2-4-d) to favor competing Pear trees. The oak, the pear, and two neighboring hedges died. Circumstantial evidence I suppose, nothing scientific, but you gotta wonder.

 

[isaaccarlson]

I have seen this kind of thing many times. My dad has white and red oak growing from the same base as well as hickory and ash and hickory and oak. He calls them damascus trees.