Do trees have a bigger network of roots than branches?

Usually it is said, that a tree has about as much root material as it has shoot material, meaning that wwhat you see above ground is what you would have below. Roots are used not only for taking in water and nutrients, they also provide stability to the tree against toppling over from wind. read more

They have about 90% root material and 10% or even less is branches and leaves. They fail to make a trunk and grow as low shrubs, surrounded by a mound of windblown sand. If you dig that up, you would be able to take quite a bit of that prized mezquite wood out. read more

Tree branches have the leaves on them which the tree needs to obtain sun light for energy. Roots absorb water from the ground and up into the tree. So that might not be a good strategy for tree branches to grow into the grown since sunlight can’t reach below the soil. read more