Q.Benjamin Ficus
About 10 years ago I planted 6 Benjamin Ficus along the front of my house (approx 1 meter from the actual house). They have grown into beautiful trees, which we keep pruned in a tight ball shape. I have been told from numerous people that these trees should be removed, as their root system will interfere with the foundation of the house (it’s a double story brick home). I’m reluctant to dig these trees out, as I really love them – and at the moment they are not showing any signs of doing damage. What would you recommend?
Tree roots are actually pretty lazy. As long as the tree has the water it needs and the space on the other side from your house to grow, it will not be a problem. Tree root problems occur when a tree can't find all the water it wants, so it starts to grow into water rich pipes, or its roots become constricted, say because it grows between two foundations or heavy soil constricts growth on one side and a foundation on the other. Take a look at your situation and see if that might apply to you. If the tree has plenty of root room to grow around it except for the side that has the foundation, you have nothing to worry about.