When design a garden is especially important choose trees that are the right size for the site where we want to plant it; that is, we have to know what adult size it will be, and whether or not its roots are aggressive. Unfortunately, it is very common to hear people say that they have had to be forced to cut down a tree because its roots were lifting the ground, or bursting pipes.
To avoid these problems and unnecessary expenses, here is a short list of trees whose roots are aggressive, and as a consequence they are not suitable species for small gardens or for having near swimming pools or next to a wall.
But first, let’s see this photo. This tree is a Rubber plant. Ficus are trees that can reach very large dimensions, both in height and width, and their roots are especially aggressive. They are very beautiful and very ornamental plants, ideal for providing shade. But when planted in planters, or in confined places, their roots in their incessant search for water can break the pot and even lift the soil in a few years.
The positive part of Ficus is that they are ideal trees for making bonsai. So if you don’t have a big garden, but you like bonsai, you know, take advantage and make one.
What to say about the Eucalyptus? They are very fast growing trees that are characterized by not letting any plant grow under their shade. They also grow to a very large height: up to 20 meters, with a trunk diameter of 3 to 4 meters. They are distributed mainly by the tropical climates of the planet, but there are several species that support light to moderate frosts.
In large gardens in a very short time they will look spectacular. They are not suitable plants to have in pots or to plant in small places. They are very resistant to pests and diseases; in fact, in some areas they have adapted so well to the environment in which they live that they have become naturalized in the place, replacing the native species.
Riverside trees or trees that live near waterways, such as the Fresno (top photo) or the Gravy (like the one in the header photo) they have very invasive and very strong roots, as they have to be able to hold the tree well so that it does not move excessively due to water currents. That is why these plants will grow very well in gardens where the humidity in the soil is high or very high.
Other trees that need a lot of space for their roots:
- jacaranda mimosifolia
- People sp.
- Quercus sp.
- Pawlonia tomentosa
Before deciding to put a tree in our garden because we like its foliage or because it is evergreen or deciduous, it is vitally important (for the tree, and to avoid later problems) that we inform ourselves well of its adult dimensions. A tree is a living being that must be part of the landscape.
