Pros And Cons Of Landscaping With Ficus

Pros And Cons Of Landscaping With Ficus

Pros And Cons Of Landscaping With Ficus

15 April 2018
 Categories:
, Blog


You may be familiar with a variety of small shrubs called "ficus," or "fig" trees, but those words actually describe a wide range of plants from southwest Asia and the Mediterranean In some parts of the country, such as California and in the southern United States, ficus trees, especially the benjamina and microcarpa varieties, are often planted in landscapes. There are many benefits if you decide to choose this type of tree for your landscaping, but there are some drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons of the common ficus trees available for landscaping.

Pros

Commercially available ficus trees have several advantages that make them ideal for many landscaping applications.

They grow tall

Some ficus species, such as benjamina can grow several stories high without a lot of work. If you like or feel that your property needs a tall tree, the ficus may be a good choice for you. Be aware that compared to other trees, ficus are known for their fast growth if you provide the right conditions.

They are easy to care for

It doesn't take a whole lot to get this plant to grow, mostly water and direct sunshine. However, they do benefit from being fertilizer. Pruning the tree may not be as easy as other trees due to their dense foliage, but is necessary to prevent overgrowth problems.

Cons

Ficus trees do have their problems and their planting needs to be planned carefully to avoid damage to your home or garden.

They grow densely

Be aware that ficus canopies can get very thick and dense and sometimes grow out of control. While this may be a good thing when it comes to shade, it can become a nuisance. It's important to have the canopy trimmed properly to keep the tree under control.

They have extensive root systems

One common complaint about most types of ficus trees is that their roots get into everything. They are sometimes so extensive they can grow well into your neighbor's yard and even into the plumbing. When planting, be sure to have a root barrier surrounding the tree. Also, plant your tree away from your home, walkway or road.

Ficus trees are a beautiful addition to your landscaping as long as you understand and prepare for some of their quirks. They grow fast and provide a beautiful canopy and shade that is pleasing to the eye as well as practical. If you have an outdoor ficus tree that you feel needs a little work, or you wish to add them to your yard, then contact a landscaping company, like Greatland Tree Service, that specializes in trees to see if ficus, or some other type of tree, is right for you.

About Me
Staying Safe During Tree Care

Tree care might seem simple, but it isn't always easy to trim large tree branches. I started thinking about trimming my own trees a few months ago, but after struggling repeatedly to take care of things on my own, I decided that it would probably be best to enlist the help of a professional. They came out, assessed the damage my trees currently had, and then helped me to identify ways to resolve the problem. I wanted to make a blog that talked all about the powerful benefits of professional tree trimming, so that other people understand how to make their homes and gardens more beautiful.

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