Ficus trees, with their majestic appearance and lush green foliage, have long been cherished as a popular choice for landscaping. These evergreen trees are often selected for their ability to create shade canopies and dense hedges, providing privacy and beauty to outdoor spaces. However, beneath their attractive exterior lies a dark secret that homeowners and landscapers need to be aware of – their highly invasive root growth.
While Ficus trees can undoubtedly enhance the aesthetic appeal of any landscape, their extensive root systems have the potential to wreak havoc on surrounding structures and hardscapes. The roots of Ficus trees can spread as far as 20+ feet from the original tree trunk, posing a significant threat to sidewalks, property line walls, and even house foundations. This aggressive root growth makes Ficus trees an unsuitable choice for most California landscapes, especially when situated near swimming pools, patios, or other hardscape features.
The destructive nature of Ficus tree roots has led many homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to prohibit these trees from their neighborhoods altogether. Countless lawsuits have arisen between neighbors due to adjacent Ficus trees damaging plumbing systems, patios, shade covers, and house foundations. As a result, HOAs have learned a valuable lesson and now prioritize the exclusion of Ficus trees in residential areas to prevent further damage and legal disputes.
Despite the potential issues associated with Ficus trees, some individuals, like myself, still appreciate their beauty and desire to have them in their yards. I don’t have an HOA or any CC&R’s to prohibit them. To mitigate the risks of invasive root growth, precautionary measures can be taken. Planting Ficus trees with root barriers is a common practice, where interlocking 3 foot deep plastic panels are installed to control surface roots. However, it is important to note that these barriers are not effective in curbing subsurface rooting, which poses the most significant threat to nearby structures.
To minimize the potential damage caused by Ficus tree roots, it is crucial to plant them at least 15-20 feet away from any structures that could be negatively affected. Even with root barriers in place, it is never safe to plant a Ficus tree along a block wall, as the tree trunk’s size can increase up to 20 times its original size, eventually bursting out of planters and destroying footings and structural foundations.
Ficus trees easily clog drain lines and destroy sewer pipes.
While homeowners may feel frustrated by the restrictions imposed by their HOAs, it is important to understand that these regulations are in place to protect their properties and prevent costly damages. Instead of dwelling on the limitations, it is beneficial to explore alternative tree options that offer similar aesthetic qualities without the invasive root issues. Some excellent substitutes for Ficus trees include Ligustrum Texanum, also known as “Wax Leaf Privet,” or “Eugenia,” commonly referred to as “Hollywood Hedges.”
Wax Leaf Privet
Eugenias “Hollywood Hedges” along the property line walls.
In conclusion, while Ficus trees undoubtedly possess beauty and charm, their invasive root growth presents significant risks to surrounding structures and hardscapes. Homeowners’ associations have rightfully taken action to restrict the planting of Ficus trees in residential areas, considering the extensive damage they can cause. For those who still wish to enjoy the beauty of these trees, careful planning and alternative options can help mitigate the risks associated with their invasive roots. By understanding the nature of Ficus trees and exploring suitable alternatives, homeowners can ensure the longevity and integrity of their landscapes while still embracing the allure of nature.
Scott Cohen
Garden Artisan
The Green Scene Inc. , California
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DESIGN/BUILD CONTRACTOR
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AUTHOR
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SPEAKER
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EXPERT WITNESS
Scott Cohen is an acclaimed garden designer, author, and licensed contractor in landscape, pool and general construction whose award-winning work has been showcased frequently on HGTV and in numerous books and national magazines. A charismatic and entertaining speaker, Cohen is also the author of 8 design and construction books, including the award-winning Outdoor Kitchen Design Workbook, Poolscapes, The Candid Contractor, and Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits.
Scott Cohen is President and “Garden Artisan” at The Green Scene Landscaping & Pools, the premiere landscape design and construction firm in the Los Angeles area. He specializes in high-end swimming pools, spas, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, fire pits, landscaping, water features, vanishing edge pools and more.
A 6 time Masters of Design Award winner, Scott has been featured on several Home and Garden Television shows such as Cool Pools, OMG Backyards, and Get Out, Way Out! Cohen is Chairman of the California Pool and Spa Association and serves as an Industry Expert for the California Contractors State License Board. Cohen serves as a construction defect expert witness for swimming pools, concrete, and landscape cases all across the United States.
