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Root competition between conspecific neighbours has been notoriously difficult to determine in intact ecosystems. Here we applied microsatellite markers to genotype beech trees (Fagus sylvatica, L.) and roots in subplots in an undisturbed, old-growth monospecific forest (Hainich, Germany). Roots were quantified and assigned to individuals. As a measure for territoriality, we determined root segregation. The hypothesis was tested that intraspecific root diversity was higher in the geometric centre of a triangle formed by beech trees than at positions closer to the stem of a tree. Space exploration measured as presence of an individual was correlated with stem diameter but not soil occupation. Fine root biomass, intraspecific Shannon diversity, effective numbers of genotypes and Evenness were stable and unrelated to the distance of the target tree. We conclude that beech shows no indication for territoriality or asymmetric competition in the presence of conspecific neighbours.