Be Careful How Close You Plant Figs to Walls

Q. We planted a very small fig tree next to our wall 11
years ago and now it is taking over the whole backyard, I heard the roots can
do considerable damage to our plumbing and wall.

A. If the trunk is closer than about several feet I might
worry but otherwise I would not unless it is getting its water from your
neighbor’s yard. If it is getting a lot of water from your neighbor, then this
will pose a problem to your wall in the future.

            Always
water on the side of a plant away from a wall or foundation. It will not be a
problem to water on one side of the plant while not watering on the other.
Plant roots will grow where there is water and not grow or grow poorly where
there is none or it is limited.

            Whenever
possible, try to keep soil within 3 feet of a wall or foundation as dry as
possible. This helps to reduce problems with roots and corrosion of cement by
soil salts.

            As a
safety precaution you can cut the tree roots on the side toward the wall. Leave
the roots exposed to heal a few days and then you can bury them again. Figs in
particular can handle severe pruning.