Non-Invasive Root Trees

How to choose a tree with non invasive roots

Root behaviour gets a tree onto this page, but mature size still makes the decision. For courtyards and narrow beds, compact crepe myrtles such as Acoma and Hopi finish near 3m, while the Little Gem Magnolia holds a narrow evergreen column to about 5m. In the middle band, the White Crepe Myrtle 'Natchez' reaches about 6m, and for genuine shade the native Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) spreads to 8m tall by 5m wide.

Then choose between evergreen and deciduous. Evergreens such as magnolia, olive and Tuckeroo hold their foliage and keep litter down year round. Deciduous crepe myrtles and Japanese maples trade that for summer flowers or autumn colour, plus winter sun through bare branches.

Where well behaved roots earn their keep

These are the trees to reach for beside paving, pool shells, retaining walls and plumbing runs, where a fig or an ornamental pear becomes an expensive mistake. Many suit the driveway trees job for the same reason. Climate narrows the list further. Crepe myrtles perform from subtropical Brisbane to cool temperate Melbourne, while olive trees and Japanese maples are happiest from Sydney south and across to Perth and Adelaide. In tropical and subtropical gardens, Tuckeroo, the Luscious Water Gum and the Queensland Bottle Tree (Brachychiton rupestris) handle heat and humidity, and the bottle tree's deep taproot makes it especially safe near hard surfaces.

Planting distances that still apply

Non invasive does not mean no roots. Every tree needs room for a root ball and access to water, so keep even these selections 2m to 3m clear of slab edges and pool shells, and give the 8m growers more.

• Tuckeroo: plant 4m apart for an avenue or windbreak.
• Frantoio Olive: 4m apart for a screening row, easily kept to 4m tall with pruning.
• Luscious Water Gum: 3m apart for an avenue or screen.
• Little Gem Magnolia: 1.5m apart for a dense evergreen screen.

Getting them established

Dig the hole twice as wide as the pot and no deeper, water in heavily, and mulch 75mm deep with the mulch kept off the trunk. Water deeply twice a week through the first summer, because deep watering trains roots downward, exactly where you want them. Feed in early spring with a controlled release fertiliser, and shape the tree lightly in its first two winters so it rarely needs a saw later.

Common questions

How close to the house can I plant one of these trees?

A tree finishing under 4m can sit about 2m off the wall. Give the 6m to 8m growers 3m to 4m, more for canopy than roots, so branches stay off the gutter.

Which of these trees suit pool areas?

Evergreens keep the skimmer box happiest, so start with Little Gem Magnolia, olives and Tuckeroo. All three are also coastal and salt tolerant, which matters beside a saltwater pool.

Do any stay small enough for pots?

Yes. Compact crepe myrtles, Japanese maples, olives and the Meyer Lemon at about 3m all do well long term in a large container with good drainage.

Will the roots lift my paving?

These species do not send out the aggressive surface roots that lift paths and crack pipes. Deep, occasional watering keeps it that way, since shallow daily sprinkles encourage roots to hunt along the surface.

How does delivery work for advanced trees?

Everything here is delivered Australia wide with delivery from $29.95 and no minimum order. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every tree carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.