See the Wind That Was So Strong It Literally Lifted the Forest Floor

Walking in the forest can be a bit spooky but when the whole forest floor rises up you start to doubt your own eyes. This extraordinary clip was filmed during Storm Babet which hit the UK in October 2023. In it, we see the forest floor apparently lifting up in the high winds. In fact, the wind is exerting a sideways force on the trees and that is lifting their roots. Because the root system of these trees is shallow (called a root plate) they are all lifting up and appear to be taking the forest floor with them. This is often a precursor to trees falling over and should serve as a warning that you need to get out of the way!

Watch the Amazing Sight Now

How Do Tree Roots Normally Work?

Roots are the parts of the tree that are usually hidden in the ground. Their primary function is to anchor the tree in the earth and prevent it from falling over. They also take up water and nutrients and transport these to the tree trunk from where they are distributed to the rest of the tree.

A large proportion of tree roots are just 12-36 inches below the surface. Some trees develop deeper roots. If the roots are damaged, it compromises the health of the tree. Damaged roots can cause the branches of the tree on that side to die off or they may die off in random places. Within the root system, there is also a complex community of beneficial bacteria and fungi-producing compounds that the tree needs.

How Deep Are Tree Roots?

This depends on the tree species and on the conditions in which it is growing. Some plants are shallow root species and these include grasses and shrubs. Moderate root species only reach two or three feet below the surface. These include maples, oaks, and pines. The deep root species include the mesquite tree which is a native species of southwestern United States. Its roots can reach 100 feet!

Why Do Some Trees Have Such Shallow Roots?

The roots of the trees in this clip are exceptionally shallow and this may be because they are young trees. However, roots need access to water and oxygen in underground pockets called soil pores. If the soil and moisture conditions are ideal, these pockets exist at great depths. However, if the soil has stones and bedrock or is compacted, there is no point in sending roots to great depths because there is nothing to be gained there. When life is tough, roots stay close to the surface!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © ohenze/Shutterstock.com