Curry leaf tree-Murraya koenigii

Question

I have recently planted a large curry leaf plant in a sheltered area of my garden, which is about 1 meter from my house foundation wall. Our house was built on concrete stumps 6 years ago. I am not sure if a root barrier was used in the making or not. I just found out that curry leaf tree has invasive roots and worrying about the choice of my planted area if this can cause structural damage to my house. We live in rural Victoria (Wurruk) and I have seen reasonable sized curry leaf trees in 2 friend’s houses not too far from us. Can you suggest if I keep the size of tree small by regular trimming of the branches,  or can that restrict root growth in future?

Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

Tree pruning will not necessarily restrict root growth. As long as the tree has leaves the process of photosynthesis will continue which feeds the tree – and its roots.

Answer 2

Thank you for your insight Shelley. Is there a way to develop a root barrier around the young tree to keep the root growth restricted? Something like an inground wall of spare floor tiles to deter root growth towards the house! You can sense I am desparate to keep the tree there without risking my house foundation:)

Answer 3

Yes, there is a way to develop a root barrier around the young tree. You would need to dig a trench and install a root barrier (some people use heavy plastic sheeting, metal flashing, root-control fabric (perhaps coated with herbicide) or concrete). I don’t think floor tiles would be as effective as the roots could snake in between the floor tiles.

For more information on problem tree roots, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/problem-tree-roots.htm

Answer 4

I know this is rather late but for future reference if anyone is interested, this method works well. When I’m concerned with root issues, I sometimes take the pot my plant came in and cut the bottom out if the pot is large enough depth wise. Otherwise I find a larger pot if the plant is significant in size, for instance a small plastic garbage can will work. Then I plant the entire plant while in the pot, directly into the ground. This forces the roots to grow deep before spreading out. All my plants that I have planted with this method have been doing well for five years or more. In Southern California some nurseries will offer to plant any purchased plants for you “in the container” they are in, particularly large trees. This helps with root issues and helps get the plants established without too much shock. Hope that helps …