Within a few weeks, lateral roots appear and branch out laterally. In most trees, the taproot withers away, leaving only the lateral roots, which spread far out to the sides. The roots serve to anchor the tree to the ground, collect water and nutrients, and distribute them to all parts of the tree. Roots need oxygen to breathe, and only a few species, such as mangroves (they develop what are called aerial roots) and pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), can live in permanently waterlogged areas.
