Moreton Bay Fig Tree

The Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) is the tree behind half the great shade canopies in Australian parks: magnificent in the right place, a very expensive mistake in the wrong one. Expect around 15m tall and a canopy just as wide within a few decades, on a buttressed trunk with large glossy leaves. It grows fast, and its roots lift concrete, so buy it for an acreage, a paddock or a large open lawn.

Why you'll love it

• Shade on a scale nothing else offers. A mature canopy shelters a whole yard or picnic area, year round.
• Fast for a tree this size. With water and space it puts on real height in its first decade.
• Wildlife value. Heavy fig crops draw fruit doves, figbirds, currawongs and flying foxes, and the canopy becomes habitat.
• Coastal and drought hardy. Salt, wind and drought tolerant once established, so exposed coastal properties suit it.

Where it works best

Acreage, rural blocks and open lawn. Give it a minimum of 15m clear in every direction from buildings, driveways, septic systems, water pipes and fences. On a paddock corner or wide lawn it anchors the whole landscape.

Coastal windbreaks. It occurs naturally in coastal rainforest on the east coast and handles salt laden wind better than almost any tree its size.

What it is not for. Suburban backyards, nature strips, courtyards, poolsides, or any position within reach of plumbing. The root system is aggressive, and buttressing roots crack paving and invade pipes.

Growing Moreton Bay Fig in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and plenty of room. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, which covers coastal Queensland, New South Wales and warmer parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It takes light frost only, so cold inland and southern districts are out.

Soil. Adaptable, from sandy coastal soil to heavier loams, provided drainage is reasonable. Break up the sides of the planting hole so roots move out rather than circling.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers to build a wide root plate, then it looks after itself. Feeding is rarely necessary; extra nitrogen only makes it grow faster than you want.

Pruning. Formative pruning while young builds one strong leader. Beyond that, engage an arborist. Plan for the mature size from day one, because a fig cannot be pruned back into a small tree.

Safety note. The milky sap can irritate skin and eyes, and fig species are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning.

What to expect when it arrives

It is supplied in 45L, 100L and 200L sizes, all substantial nursery grown trees with formed trunks. The 45L is easiest to handle and plants quickly. The 100L and 200L give several years of head start, though you will want help and machinery to place them.

Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost and may require specialist transport, which we quote before dispatch. Every tree is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse Australian native trees by size
• Compare smaller shade trees for suburban blocks
• Build a native habitat garden beneath it
• Site preparation before planting a large tree

Common questions

Can I plant one in a normal suburban backyard?

No, and we would rather tell you now. The roots are highly invasive and the canopy will eventually cover the whole block. Choose a smaller shade tree instead.

How close to pipes and paving is safe?

Allow at least 15m from any pipe, slab, driveway, retaining wall or foundation. Buttress roots and surface roots beyond the canopy edge both lift hard surfaces over time.

Are the figs edible?

Technically edible, but dry and gritty. Their real value is the wildlife they attract, though heavy fruit drop stains paving and vehicles below.

How fast does it grow?

In warm coastal conditions with adequate water expect roughly a metre a year early on, slowing as the canopy widens.