The role of trees and forests as a critical component of the biosphere and critical zone, and of the Earth system more generally, is widely appreciated. Less known and acknowledged are the geomorphological functions of tree roots, though their importance has been widely referred to in soil studies, paleopedology and palaeobotany. Tree roots and their impact on weathering processes and soil production were incorporated in the Devonian plant hypothesis and tree root casts served as a key evidence of recognition of past soils in geology, sedimentology and palaeopedology. However, knowledge of biomechanical and biochemical weathering induced by vascular plant roots (mainly trees) has been rarely utilized in geomorphic studies. Biogeomorphic and pedologic studies in recent decades have highlighted the importance of tree uprooting, in which roots play a primary role, in soil development, regolith disturbance and bedrock mining. Other important functions of roots were also recognized, e.g.: soil displacement by growing roots, infilling of stump holes and root cavities, root groove development,

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