Variation in root morphology amongst tree species influences soil hydraulic conductivity and macroporosity

•Tree species-specific root morphology influenced soil macroporosity and hydrology.•Tree fine root morphology altered soil hydrology independently of soil classification.•Fine root biomass differed by 6-fold amongst the seven tree species studied.•Root necromass was the best root metric to predict soil hydraulic conductivity.•Loss of Fraxinus excelsior to disease could have an impact on local soil hydrology.