Biomass of fine roots (≤3 mm diameter) in a white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) plantation in Maine was estimated at 696 ± 224 g/m2 or 3 kg per tree. Data consisted of 10 samples collected in midsummer from the top 45 cm of an imperfectly drained, silt loam, alluvial soil. Variation among individual samples was great, but appeared to be independent of distance to and size of closest tree. Results of this study compare favorably with published estimates of 2–3 kg per tree for other conifers in different parts of the world. The adequacy of this kind of study for understanding tree–soil relationships is discussed.