How close can I plant a fig tree to my house?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Fig tree roots can reach two times the height of the tree, which can be damaging to foundations and pipes. We saw a mature fig crack on my neighbor's patio after only 5 years. Keep trees 10+ feet from all structures unless you are using a dwarf variety such as Little Miss Figgy, which can be placed 5 feet from a structure and thrive.
Planting Distances
- Standard figs: 15-20 feet from houses
- Dwarf varieties: 5-8 feet in containers
- Root barriers: Install 18-inch deep metal sheets
Maintenance Tips
- Prune roots every 3 years for ground-planted trees
- Use fabric pots to restrict container root growth
- Avoid planting near septic systems or water lines
With container planting you entirely remove the risks associated with roots. My Violette de Bordeaux is planted in a 20-gallon pot in a sunny deck area, and it produces 40+ figs a year on average. Use well-draining soil and always elevate your pots to prevent roots from growing out of the drainage holes. Repot your tree every 3 years to allow for fresh soil.
Root barriers protect adjacent foundations. Dig a 2-foot trench between the property line of the house and the tree, insert and backfill with galvanized steel panels (see photo below). This is how I saved my garden shed from a tree. You can perform this method along with annual root pruning during the growing season to maintain a non-invasive footprint.
Refrain from planting figs near walls or pavers, because the roots will take advantage of cracks to reach for moisture. If your yard is smaller, consider espalier listing them against strong trellises set back at least 1' from walls. My training system purposely facilitates shallow roots, allows upward training, and minimizes potential issues to the structures and patio.
Read the full article: How to Grow Figs: Expert Tips for Thriving Trees
