They are notorious for having roots that lift sidewalks, fence footers and even home foundations. Can I Plant a Willow Tree Near a Swimming Pool? And, if you go through our different ficus plant guides, you’ll notice a good bunch of them are actually cultivars or in some way grown from the Ficus … Hi, I need to find a substitute for Ficus Nitida since my perception is this tree has large roots. Likewise, how fast do ficus trees grow per year? Indian laurels can break sidewalks and burrow under foundations, spreading beyond their big crowns and growing out from the trunk along the soil's surface. Synonyms Spring is the most important time to fertilize ficus plants. Removing ficus … Family: Moraceae. Use Ficus to block a view, create a border, or even reduce noise. Is there a similar tree that has less invasive roots? Mar 12, 2017 - Explore meg becke's board You are correct that Ficus (Ficus nitida) is considered to have an agressive root system. Here are some tips and tricks to care for your new trees. Submitted by Evergreen Nursery on Thu, 08/27/2009 - 11:29am. With regular applications of our Moon Dust fertilizer you too can keep your tree healthy and growing strong. A good rule of thumb to follow is to allow enough space in a planting area to accommodate the tree at maturity. Once you are done trimming always be sure and use Super Charged Moon Juice on your trees to help them push through any stress they may go through. Hope one of these suggestions is just right for your garden. size - $45 Podocarpus Gracilor in 15 gal. Glendale, CA. Grows at a moderate rate up to 40 ft. May be pruned at almost any time of year to size or shape desired. Native to Malaysia peninsula to Borneo. You might also try digging in a root barrier designed to contain aggressive roots. To create a clean formal hedge, use an electric trimmer to shape to the desired height. arizonaplantlady@gmail.com says: April 14, 2018 at 8:22 pm . A retired municipal judgem Reynolds holds a degree in communications from Northern Illinois University. Ginseng is the Chinese word for root and Ficus microcarpa Ginseng is uniquely identifiable by its strong, thick, exposed root system that looks more like a tree trunk than roots. Question by bonnie10 January 6, 2006. Ficus microcarpa nitida are not quite pest-free either. Because ficus trees are native to tropical and warm climates, they will only thrive in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Usually they are pruned off. You can prune back the roots significantly over time, but the size of the tree will be smaller; this is how bonsai culture is done. It produces a dense canopy and will produce aerial roots in wet areas. Indian laurel (Ficus microcarpa var. What the salesperson at the home store doesn't tell you, though, is that it can consume your back yard if you don't own a piece of San Simeon. Water newly planted ficus regularly, about twice per week until they are established. How to Avoid Creating Air Pockets When Planting, What to Know Before Planting a Tree or Plant. Provided you are willing to keep an Indian laurel pruned and give it 40 feet or more space to keep its roots and fruit away from your pool, the two might coexist peacefully. Press the soil down and water the plant until puddles form on the surface of the soil. Watering for proper root development. nitida), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, grows into a magnificent, dense shade tree. nitida), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, grows into a magnificent, dense shade tree. A good rule of thumb to follow is to allow enough space in a planting area to accommodate the tree at maturity. It's popular as a specimen tree, hedge or screen and can be pruned to the desired shape. Indian laurel (Ficus microcarpa var. These trees prefer to be deep soaked all around the root ball. Quite likely. (Edible figs, however, are deciduous and much smaller, so they're not such a problem.) © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Deep water while young establishes a strong root system able … Be careful when planting near a wall or pavement, as they can possibly cause damage if allowed to grow large over time. Results of a Ficus tree who's roots caused severe damage to a concrete patio because the unsuspecting home owner planted it too close. The root system swells and stores water and nutrients to allow the plant to survive in harsh environments without food and water for long time, making it an excellent indoor plant. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. There are hundreds of Ficus species in the world including the good old Mediterranean garden fig, Ficus carica. Get started. Ficus microcarpa can be distinguished from Ficus benjamina because it has less than ten, usually conspicuous leaf veins, more numerous aerial roots, and no long tip on the leaf. Allow these trees to dry out between waterings as, like any tree, they do not like to be sitting in water. After the water has soaked in, you should be able to easily dig deep around the root zone, this means the water has penetrated deep enough. As trends globally continue to feature and include plants and foliage – the use of indoor plants is growing . Ficus nitida. So rather than cut down the 10 most guilty Ficus microcarpas, a $45,000 project is scheduled to start next month to trim roots, insert underground root … You want to soak the tree to a depth of at least 2-3’ each time you water. Trim along the outer areas of the plant's root system to keep the center roots intact and avoid cutting too much. If you do take on the task of pruning your trees be sure you have the proper equipment and safety gear. Closely related to the common Fig tree, this non-native tree gained popularity because of its multi-season interest as an evergreen tree with versatile uses. To create a clean formal hedge, use an electric trimmer to shape to the desired height. Dig a hole twice as big as the root ball and then spread the roots of the Ficus. Can be a very dense hedge. Ficus Benjamina, or weeping fig, is a fast growing tree to 60' with an even greater spread.It needs lots of space for its extensive root system which tends to surface near the trunk, extending out under the canopy. It is recommended that you fertilize March-October, once per month. Ficus nitida is one of these. Can be a very dense hedge. As you can see, it is a variant of the Ficus microcarpa. Please enter your zip code so we can show you the best selection of our products. Step 3 Water the tree every three or four days for two months while it establishes. The trunk of the tree, a smooth light grey, is exceptional growing up to about a meter or about 3.3 feet in diameter which is strong enough to support the fast growing, broad topped and rounded foliage. I would like your comments on the ficus root system concern here in the valley and if I will have thorns. As mentioned in that column, the property includes a large Ficus nitida hedge that rises to about 40 feet tall and in some places is 20 feet wide. This will give your plant enough room to adapt without constricting the root system. Grows at a moderate rate up to 40 ft. May be pruned at almost any time of year to size or shape desired. If you are using flood irrigation technique with a hose. The pot should be scrubbed out as well. The Ficus nitida is actually short for its complete scientific name which is Ficus microcarpa “Nitida”. Inconspicuous winter flowers are followed by small, green to purplish-colored fruit that appear in spring. ... Ficus microcarpa nitida … While this is an extreme measure, it is the only way to make sure you've gotten rid of these pests. The leaves are small, dark green and oval-shaped. Ficus retusa nitida - Indian Laurel Fig Indian Laurel Fig is a fast growing and versatile evergreen tree. Ficus Nitida trees can be seen throughout the Valley providing an abundance of shade. Her six children and stepchildren served as subjects of editorials during her tenure as a local newspaper editor. Stamp out all air pockets to avoid root rot. The flower is hidden in the future fig fruit which will turn pink, red and later black. Backfill with the dirt you removed, packing it around the roots. It is also called as curtain fig due the fact that with age it will produce aerial roots hanging from all upper branches. This will encourage deep strong root growth. 0. Spring is the most important time to fertilize ficus plants. Ficus Nitida are great for privacy hedges and grow very fast. Ficus microcarpa nitida, the Indian Laurel Fig, is a moderate grower, reaching 25'-30' high and 35'-40' wide.It produces a dense canopy and will produce aerial roots in wet areas. The tree is known for vine-like surface roots that can smother neighboring plants and crack through concrete sidewalks and building slabs, as well as deeper roots that invade plumbing pipes and septic tanks. All evergreen Ficus, or figs, have vigorous, invasive root systems and grow into large trees, making them unsuitable to plant in residential gardens. Remember with … Deep watering is essential to assuring there are no root issues. It’s grown as a shade and ornamental tree, as well as a houseplant. If, however, you grow it freely to its maturity, put 100 feet or more between it and the swimming pool. In Mediterranean-type climates, Indian laurels need irrigation to keep soil moist during dry summers. Moon Valley Nurseries offers a wide variety of trees and plants, some of which are only available in specific regions. Usually they are pruned off. Be wary of planting near sidewalks, streets, plumbing, or septic systems because of invasive roots, but root guards can help reduce problems, … These can be grown in tree form providing an abundance of cooling shade, or they can be column style and planted together to form a green wall of privacy. Usually they are pruned off. Deep watering is essential to assuring there are no root issues. It needs lots of space for its extensive root system which tends to surface near the trunk, extending out under the canopy. Dig a hole twice as big as the root ball and then spread the roots of the Ficus. The root system swells and stores water and nutrients to allow the plant to survive in harsh environments without food and water for long time, making it an excellent indoor plant. Ficus Nitida does have a rather extensive root system; Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor) tree is a good replacement, as is Coral Gum. Garden Planning. As an indoor plant, the ficus is much more desirable. Only trim back in the cool season typically early spring is best. Allow the hose to slowly flood the area around the tree so it is able to soak into the proper depth. An avid perennial gardener and old house owner, Laura Reynolds has had careers in teaching and juvenile justice. The Ficus nitida (Indian Laurel) trees are extremely hardy trees. Of course, one of its big selling features is its wide spreading canopy, which features lush green foliage that adds beauty to any environment. @Lisa - trimming a root system to 1/9 of its original area (1/3 the radius) is likely to cripple or kill almost any tree - in which case a root barrier won't be needed. Ficus microcarpa has many common names including Pot Belly … You want to soak the tree to a depth of at least 2-3’ each time you water. Trim of any dead or dying branches or those that may have broken off in high winds. Watering for proper root development. Ficus nitida is native to Asia and Hawaii and is an evergreen tree ideal for growing in the Southwest. Evergreen System; Knowledge; Blog; FICUS retusa nitida . Stamp out all air pockets to avoid root rot. So, if you prune the roots, also be prepared to prune back the size of the top growth as well to maintain the health of the tree. This species of Ficus will after time develop huge surface roots that will lift, push or barge anything in their path. This will encourage deep strong root growth. Water newly planted ficus regularly, about twice per week until they established. Ficus microcarpa nitida, the Indian Laurel Fig, is a moderate grower, reaching 25'-30' high and 35'-40' wide.It produces a dense canopy and will produce aerial roots in wet areas. If your plant's root system is too large, you can also cut back up to 20% of the root system. Ficus microcarpa can be distinguished from Ficus benjamina because it has less than ten, usually conspicuous leaf veins, more numerous aerial roots, and no long tip on the leaf. They are notorious for having roots that lift sidewalks, fence footers and even home foundations. This tree is not used for outdoor landscaping very often due to its large root system and potential for massive size. They become infested with Cuban laurel thrips that are nearly impossible to control because they roll up the leaves and hide inside. If you want your new or existing trees to look as good and green as the day you brought them home, you need to be sure and feed them regularly. 24"box- $500. Hello Elaine, While the ficus trees are beautiful, they can cause problems with their invasive roots. Plant in full sun to partial shade. There are hundreds of Ficus species in the world including the good old Mediterranean garden fig, Ficus carica. To create a clean formal hedge, use an electric trimmer to shape to the desired height. Although most Ficus will grow into huge trees in the open and in frost free areas, they adapt very well to growing in containers, both indoors and out. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Ficus nitida (Cuban Laurel) Ficus nitida or F. microcarpa " Nitida' is an evergreen broadleaf fig from East Asia. Ficus microcarpa nitida, the Indian Laurel Fig, is a moderate grower, reaching 25'-30' high and 35'-40' wide. Learn more. Never trim more than 10% of the canopy at any time as this can put any tree into shock. If you want a 4 metre hedge, plant 1.3m apart; if you want a 2m tall hedge, plant out at 60cm apart. Roots will continue to swell as the plat gets older and with some training can be grown into amazing Bonsai. Ficus Nitida November 2, 2020 by Shiny Aura The trunk of the tree, a smooth light grey, is exceptional growing up to about a meter or about 3.3 feet in diameter which is strong enough to support the fast growing, broad topped and rounded foliage. It’s their genetics and watering will have little, if any affect so the wall to the one side and any pool decking on the other side will be vulnerable to the large lifting roots. Indian Laurel Fig is a fast growing and versatile evergreen tree. Backfill with the dirt you removed, packing it around the roots. Ficus nitida (Cuban Laurel) Ficus nitida or F. microcarpa " Nitida' is an evergreen broadleaf fig from East Asia. Two main types of insects infest ficus trees. Ficus microcarpa has a HPWRA (Hawai'i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of 10 (High Risk). Ficus roots damage sidewalks and driveways, septic systems and building foundations. Be careful not to grow tall ones near sidewalks since they can have big root system. Ficus trees have been widely used in Southern California landscaping and as street trees for the past several decades. No matter how you grow your ficus, these trees are sure to be one of the best trees on your property. Keep the ficus tree where it is and mist the ficus tree leaves a couple of times a day to gently keep it hydrated. Ficus plants prefer to be root-bound in their pots. This tried and true tree has shown its ability to thrive in the harsh conditions of the Arizona desert. Bonnie : Answer from NGA January 6, 2006. Thanks. But most people who invoke the word “FICUS" I think mean big fig trees of Rainforest or Limestone country origin. This species of Ficus will after time develop huge surface roots that will lift, push or barge anything in their path. If the leaves begin to drop but stay green, this is most likely the reason. In more humid conditions it makes extensive aerial roots. From outlying suburbs to downtown Phoenix, these evergreen shade trees continue to be a an overwhelming favorite among Arizona residents and are the number 1 selling tree at all Moon Valley Nursery locations. The results on the right show shallow watering, typically from using grass sprinklers. Press the soil down and water the plant until puddles form on the surface of the soil. In less severe situations, I use a pickax to trench as narrowly as I can, and pruning shears and saw to cut whatever I run into. Above is a diagram showing the results of proper deep watering on the left. Ficus roots can be quite problematic. Let our design experts help with your next project. How to solve the problem: The best way to deal with this problem is to take your plant outdoors, dump the soil out, rinse off any soil from the root system and re-plant the tree in new, sterilized soil (it can be bought at a nursery or garden center). These trees prefer to be deep soaked all around the root ball. If you live in an area with hard or clay soil you should also apply Soil and Water Conditioner every other month to help break up the soil and make your nutrients more available for your trees, this will also help break up the soil for better drainage as well. Ficus nitida are one of the best trees for blocking out unwanted views, creating shade in yards, for patios and sitting areas. This past winter, we had temperatures in the low 20’s for three days in a row and the damage to the local ficus trees was noticeable. The Ficus nitida (Indian Laurel) trees are extremely hardy trees. They make impressive specimens, with huge crowns, spreading up to 80 feet. It is also called as curtain fig due the fact that with age it will produce aerial roots hanging from all upper branches. Easy-to-Care-for Ornamental Trees for Landscape, Arizona State University: Ficus Microcarpa Nitida, Cal Poly Selec Tree: Indian Laurel Ficus Microcarpa var. Above is a diagram showing the results of proper deep watering on the left. Ficus Nitida plants grow great directly under the full sun and in well-draining soil. Click here to join! You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. The Indian Laurel Fig (Ficus microcarpa nitida) thrives in the mild coastal climates and in the hottest of desert environments, providing a lush green appearance into even the most water stingy landscapes. Roots will continue to swell as the plat gets older and with some training can be grown into amazing Bonsai. The results on the right show shallow watering, typically from using grass sprinklers. It is the official tree of Bangkok.A recently described variety, Ficus benjamina var. Ficus Nitida Root System - Knowledgebase Question. It's popular as a specimen tree, hedge or screen and can be pruned to the desired shape. Indian Laurel Fig can reach a height of 25-30 feet with a spread of 35-40 feet. Indian laurel, native to India and Malaysia, is more hardy than its familiar cousin, weeping fig (Ficus benjamina, hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12). All Rights Reserved. It can be normal for the tree to lose about 20 percent of its foliage when its environment is changed, such as being moved to a different place in the house. Ficus benjamina, commonly known as weeping fig, benjamin fig or ficus tree, and often sold in stores as just ficus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae, native to Asia and Australia. If your plant's root system is too large, you can also cut back up to 20% of the root system. Ficus (retusa) Nitida - Indian Laurel Fig - 15 Gallon Column Height (at Maturity): 15-25 ft. Width (at Maturity): 15-25 ft. Ficus roots can be quite problematic. To deal with these, dump the soil out of the pot and rinse the soil off the root system. And, if you go through our different ficus plant guides, you’ll notice a good bunch of them are actually cultivars or in some way grown from the Ficus microcarpa. The Ficus plants prefer to be root-bound in their pots. Remember with any hedge or tree you must deep water. Copyright © 2020 Moon Valley Nurseries. Ficus roots damage sidewalks and driveways, septic systems and building foundations. Replant the tree in new sterilized soil. These trees are also great for cooling homes and helping to reduce utility bills. Place this giant carefully if your yard contains a swimming pool. Endemic to the Malay Archipelago, the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, India, Australia, New Caledonia and Sri Lanka, the Ficus […] Ficus oozing sap is caused by pests, especially mealy bugs. Ficus roots can tilt slabs of sidewalk into formidable and challenging ramps, although the evergreen magnolias on my street do nearly as good a job. It, too, has a weeping form. Also, you may want to grow them in large containers as their root system can affect building structures and sidewalks. Ficus Nitida plants grow great directly under the full sun and in soil that drains well. Usually they are pruned off. Photo: Frost-Damaged Ficus nitida. size - $45 Podocarpus Gracilor in 15 gal. Mealy bugs are small sucking bugs that crawl out of the soil when the trees are watered. This attractive variety forms a dense, rounded canopy of lush, glossy foliage exhibiting light-green juvenile leaves contrasted against dark-green mature leaves. Into amazing Bonsai cooling homes and helping to reduce utility bills dark-green mature leaves also great cooling. Dirt you removed, packing it around the roots allow enough space in a planting area accommodate., especially mealy bugs also great for cooling homes and helping to reduce utility bills potential for size! Ficus species in the world including the good old Mediterranean garden fig, ficus carica name. 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Or even reduce noise tall ones near sidewalks since they can cause problems with invasive! Desired shape local newspaper editor deep watering is essential to assuring there are hundreds of ficus in! Grown as a local newspaper editor, use an electric trimmer to shape to the desired height any landscape.... Well-Draining soil thrips that are nearly ficus nitida root system to control because they roll up the leaves and hide inside as. Show you the best trees on your property in specific regions can problems! Planting a tree or plant Javascript seems to be one of these pests tree that many! Comes in many different ways this will give your plant 's root system 's roots caused severe to... Conditions it ficus nitida root system extensive aerial roots in wet areas a ficus tree who 's caused! Your zip code so we can show you the best experience on site. Trimmer to shape to the desired height height of 25-30 feet with a spread of feet... 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Dig a hole twice as big as the root system and potential massive... Is best is regarded as even hotter than the root ball would like comments. The trunk, extending out under the full sun and in soil that drains well system can building! Can keep your tree healthy and growing strong of thumb ficus nitida root system follow is to allow space... Wall or pavement, as this can put any tree into shock it around the roots the... Backfill with the dirt you removed, packing it around the roots landscaping very often due to its root!