Deciduous trees were thought to have dormant roots in the winter, but a recent study reveals that the roots actually continue to grow year-round. Forest soils may store more carbon than previously believed, with up to 30% of a tree’s biomass in dense roots acting as a reservoir. This discovery challenges traditional beliefs about the carbon cycle in trees, showing a continuous usage of carbon, especially in roots. The findings also suggest that root growth may play a role in helping trees adapt to climate change by storing carbon reserves for spring growth. The study was conducted by an international team led by researchers from the University of Antwerp.
https://www.creaf.cat/en/articules/deciduous-trees-roots-remain-active-winter