Ever see a tree root that seems to be growing in mid-air? These are formed when a new tree takes root on an old stump or fallen tree. The roots of the new tree grow around the rotting wood. Eventually the wood decays completely leaving open air in its place.
In this video, VLT forester David McMath shows two examples of stilted roots he found at our Mud Pond Forest - one in the early stages of development and one completely “floating”.