Which trees have taproots?

Hickory, conifer, oak, pine and walnut trees have taproots. The majority of trees do not have this type of root.

Trees tend to develop taproots when they are in soil that is well-drained and sandy. However, the tree still has to be prone to developing this type of root system. For example, ash, maple and cottonwood trees are not likely to develop taproots. These roots are right under the trunk and they go deep into the ground. Taproots do not occur when there is a high degree of soil compaction or when soil surface and the water table are in proximity to each other.