Can a Banyan tree be grown in south GA?
Generally, the Banyan tree is grown outdoors in very warm climates, usually in Zones 10-12. However, you can grow this interesting tree indoors as well, or in a container outdoors, bringing it inside prior to cooler weather. Here is an article that should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/banyan/growing-a-banyan-tree.htm
We have a banyan tree growing in our garden close to our building. We are being prevented from cutting the roots by environmentalists. However, we are told that if we don't cut them, they could interfere with the foundations of our building and can encourage rat and snake holes. Is this true?
For the foundation, trees normally will not bother a foundation until they have nowhere else to go. If the roots of the tree are crowded by other foundations, then it might start to push on yours. You can think of it like a potted houseplant. As long as the roots have room to grow elsewhere, they will not push on the sides of the pot. But once it has no room for its roots, it has no choice but to push. I cannot speak to specifically if your tree has enough room or not for its roots. You would need a tree specialist there to determine that.
For the rats and snakes, yes this is possible as the roots will provide safe places for them to live. But, if you are able to make sure that other elements that would make the tree roots look like good homes are removed, the chances of rats and snakes moving in are much less. Making sure that there is not a ready food source (open trash cans, compost bins, etc) and attracting predators to the yard (like a pet mouser cat) will help keep them away.
I can't find any information on where to purchase a banyan tree in the state of Florida.
I would recommend looking on eBay. Oddly enough, there is a great selection of hard to find, unusual plants for sale on eBay.
I have a summer home in Port Aransas and we recently had a significant hard freeze for three nights. When we arrived to check on the property and plants, the banyan tree was the worst of all the plants. The tree is about 20 feet tall and the trunk is about 12 inches in diameter. It was very healthy before the freeze. Now all the leaves have frozen and are going to fall. Will this tree recover? What could I do to help it?
This article may help you with getting them to recover: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/tips-for-saving-cold-damaged-plants.htm
I cannot find info on the best way to try to germinate a Banyan tree seed. Can you give me any pointers?
The following article should be of some help to you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/banyan/growing-a-banyan-tree.htm
We are visiting the Miami area and have fallen in love with the Banyan trees. The first question is: How long does it take a string root to grow down and connect to the ground? Also, how big do indoor banyan trees get?
This article provides info about banyan trees: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/banyan/growing-a-banyan-tree.htm
How do you propagate bayan tree? Isn't layering of banyan tree possible?
This article will help:
http://www.floridata.com/ref/F/ficu_ben.cfm
You can try air layering as well.