How aggressive are the roots of the ficus trees? And how for from the building should they be planted

Hi, frkggio!

It would help to know which specific variety of Ficus tree it is in order to address your question the best.

Please click on the link below to get an idea as to how large some Ficus trees can grow and how aggressive the root system can be.

Ficus trees and ficus hedges (http://mgonline.com/benjamina.html)

If we know the specific variety it is about which you're wanting to know information, then we'll be able to help you the best here.

Thanks!

Once you know what tree you have and how big it will get the rule of thumb for most trees roots is the roots go out as far as the canopy is. The roots stays in line with the tree canopy as it grows.

That's how most trees take advantage of their drip line and gets water from that source also. the trees canopy water drip line to the young feeder roots.

Signed 21 Boat

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I'm just going to add a little to what I first stated above, and that would be that the root system of a Ficus is very invasive and can cause damage to structures, sidewalks, driveways and plumbing. Again, we don't know the specific variety here, but unless you want to be trimming a Ficus tree's canopy and even root system back on a regular basis, it would probably be in your best interests to plant something that doesn't have such an invasive root system. The roots can extend well beyond the circumference of the tree canopy.

There's enough information out there on the Internet to not warrant my copying and pasting anything here.

Please see:

For anyone who loves Ficus and Banyan trees (palms, animals, ant) - Garden - Trees, Grass, Lawn, Flowers, Irrigation, Landscaping... - City-Data Forum (http://www.city-data.com/forum/garden/227854-anyone-who-loves-ficus-banyan-trees.html)

Trees: are ficus trees bad for a yard?, ficus trees, ficus tree (http://en.allexperts.com/q/Trees-739/ficus-trees-bad-yard.htm)

Ficus trees - Topic Powered by Eve For Enterprise (http://tree-tech.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/283602391/m/189609002)

The 7 Sins of Tree Root Stress - Landscape Management (http://www.landscapemanagement.net/landscape/Features/The-7-Sins-of-Tree-Root-Stress/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/508351)

Ficus Tree Roots Extend Beyond Canopy - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Ficus+Tree+Roots+Extend+Beyond+Canopy&btnG=Search)

Thanks!

Ficus trees are very fast growing trees with very invasive root systems. The ficus hedges are not so invasive and don't grow so quickly.

Don't place a ficus near any type of underground utilities such as electrical lines or water lines and definitely not sewer lines. Ficus roots can uproot sidewalks and ruin building foundations as well.