Most grape roots will be concentrated around 3 feet (90 cm) deep in the soil. However, individual roots can grow up to a staggering 30 feet (9 meters) deep though this is unlikely. Usually, the deepest root depth a grape root structure will grow is around 15 feet deep (4.5 meters). As a result, grapes need deep soil for ideal root distribution. Be sure to provide your grapevine plants with rich soil for quality nutrient uptake.
How Big are the Roots of Grapes?
Grape roots tend to be large. Grapes’ structural roots are fairly big and complex. Mature vines can wind up with 75 square feet (23 square meters) of interlocked roots underground. Most of this mass will be growing down into the ground but about a third of it will grow horizontally.
- Grape roots can be very big despite most of the root biomass developing in shallow soil.
- Normal root growth can result in 75 square feet (23 square meters) of grape roots.
- Provide at least 3 feet (90 cm) of soil depth to allow for proper grape root development.
Grapes need at least 3 feet (90 cm) of soil to grow. However, shallow soil will make for incredible root density so it’s better to provide deeper soil for better growth.
Do Grape Roots Grow Down or Out?
Grape roots grow both down and out. This is because grape vines have multi-branching root systems. This means that permanent roots split into lateral branches which then split into more lateral branches. This results in a complicated and deeply rooted interlocking web growing in every direction below the soil surface.
- Grapes are multi-branching so their roots grow both down and out.
- Grape vines create a web of roots that grow in every direction.
Branching grape roots will also grow feeder roots to absorb more nutrients. Grape vines’ structural root systems make the plant difficult to fully unroot. Thus, if you wind up not liking your grapes, it will be difficult to get rid of them fully.
How Wide Do Grape Roots Spread?
Grapevine roots mostly spread up to about 5 feet wide (1.5 meters). However, a healthy root system can spread up to 33 feet (10 meters) wide in rare instances. The roots will typically spread most from spring to late summer when grapes are actively growing. There will be a pause in root growth during the dormant season, which lasts through late winter.
- Grape plant roots usually spread around 5 feet (1.5 meters).
- In some cases, grape roots can spread up to 33 feet (10 meters) in diameter.
- The rate of grape root growth increases during spring, summer, and fall.
- Grape root growth slows to a stop in winter.
Grapes grow best in a wide range of coarse-textured soils. Be sure to provide fertile soil of this variety to encourage the most ideal root growth. Grapes are hardy, but like any plant, they will perform best in nutrient-rich soil.
Do Grapes Have Invasive Roots?
Grape roots are somewhat invasive but are unlikely to damage barriers or buildings. In this way, they are not truly invasive. A healthy grape root tends to wrap around and avoid obstacles as it grows.
- Grapevine roots can grow everywhere but they typically won’t damage anything.
- Grape roots are not truly invasive but can be a nuisance.
- To prevent the roots from damaging foundations or underground plumbing, plant grapes at least 10 feet (3 meters) from buildings.
It’s best to not take chances with invasive root damage. Plant your grapevine plant at least 10 feet (3 meters) from any buildings or important structures out of caution. Should active growth become invasive, this will ensure the roots won’t be able to reach and damage anything important.
How Far Apart Should Grapes Be Planted?
Less vigorous grapes, like wine grape varieties, should be planted 6–8 feet (180–240 cm) apart in a planting row. More vigorous grapes, such as table grapes, should be planted 8–9 feet (240–275 cm) apart in a planting row.
- Wine grapes should be planted 6-8 feet apart (180–240 cm).
- Table grapes should be planted 8-9 feet apart (240–275 cm).
Planting grapes at the appropriate distance ensures healthy root growth. It also helps prevent root entanglement, which can weaken your grapevines. It will also ensure that each plant gets the ideal nutrient uptake depending on nutrient availability. During fruit ripening, this will make sure that each plant gets enough nutrition for an ideal harvest.
Are Grape Roots Deep?
Grapevines can have fairly deep roots but most of the root structure will only develop in the top 36 inches (90 cm) of soil. Grapes root themselves firmly in the ground and develop a complex web to anchor themselves. Let’s recap the most important information about grape roots:
- Grapes grow fairly big roots that typically grow 15 feet deep (4.5 meters) and 5 feet wide (1.5 meters).
- Grape roots grow both down and out as roots multi-branch into new lateral root developments.
- The roots of grape plants are not traditionally invasive but they can be a nuisance.
- Plant grapes 6–9 feet (180–275 cm) apart depending on type of grape
Grapes are very hardy vines. If you provide enough space for their roots to develop naturally, they will reward you with resilience, beautiful foliage, and an impressive grape harvest.
