- Anchoring trees to the ground in rain-soaked and shallow soil
- Providing structural support to trees in the weak and highly weathered soil
- Enabling large trees to withstand strong wind and heavy rain
- Helping trees compete for sunlight by growing shallowly and outward
- Enhancing water absorption by the roots which makes more moisture available to the trees
- Preventing excessive flooding by diverting rainwater away from the trunk of the tree
