Hill’s weeping fig

gcdesign

Hi
A client is keen in using the Hill’s weeping fig (pleached) located in a planting bed next to a pool. I have not used this plant for fear of the root system causing damage to structures etc. However, i have seen this plant used in designs extensively by Melbourne designers Bangay and Jack Merlo (cannot provide photos due copyright)
What are your thoughts on this plant. Do they require a root barrier or some other method to contain the root system.
Thanks

Eric Frei

Yep, you better ensure roots are contained and any type of structure to contain them like a planter box is built bomb proof to engineering standards above that of a retaining wall.

Tree roots can exert around 145psi pressure. Tell the engineers that they need to work with that figure.

Our climate is different to Melbourne and these trees can grow year round.

Long term containerisation of trees will lead to similar problems as a root bound pot plant so root pruning may also be required. Some larger concrete planter boxes are root pruned regularly just inside the box to prevent the roots breaking the box.

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