Rookie questions: We want to put some feijoa trees by our fence line but there is a sump hole and pipe running parallel about 1 to 1.5 metres from the fence that the previous owner put in. The area gets very soggy during winter. We don't know how deep the pipe is. The neighbour has already planted trees right next to the fence so their roots are probably seeking out cracks in the pipe anyway. How far do feijoa roots spread? (We have googled but can't find an answer specific to feijoas). Any suggestions for privacy shrubs or trees with limited root spread? Wouldn't tree roots help alleviate the flooding or sogginess anyway? We've also thought about building up an area for planting but that's going to cost a lot more than planting directly into the existing soil. The neighbour did have a sinkhole somewhere on their property so we want to be careful.
Google told me: Feijoa trees have a shallow root system.
But they do spread. One back neighbour has one, over time the fruit dropped into the admittedly ill kept section next to it, and thus hundreds of the damn trees. Fortunately that owner has now put new houses on the section, so diggers etc were used to remove them all. Yay!
Damn weed trees.
kateley,
Sep 25, 8:16am
wow, where do you live lythande that feijoas self seed to such an extent that they are weeds? I've tried unsuccessfully for years to get them to grow from cuttings and have never seen a seedling under the many neglected trees around here
amasser,
Sep 25, 8:46am
x1
Hey there! Sounds like you've got some questions about planting feijoa trees near a sump hole and pipe. I totally understand - planting trees can be tricky business, especially when there are potential obstacles like pipes and drainage issues to consider.
Let's start with your question about the feijoa root system. While I couldn't find any specific information on the feijoa root system, most fruit trees tend to have fairly extensive root systems that spread out horizontally in search of water and nutrients. So it's possible that the feijoa tree roots could extend beyond the area where you're planning to plant them and potentially interfere with the nearby pipe.
That being said, there are some trees and shrubs that are known for having more limited root systems. Here are a few suggestions:
Columnar apple trees: These trees are bred specifically for their narrow, upright growth habit. They can be grown in containers or planted directly in the ground, and they generally have smaller root systems than standard apple trees.
Dwarf varieties: Many fruit trees, including feijoas, are available in dwarf varieties. These trees tend to have smaller root systems than their full-sized counterparts.
Shrubs: If you're looking for a privacy screen, there are plenty of shrubs that could work well in your area. Some options to consider include holly, boxwood, and arborvitae.
Now, as for your question about whether tree roots could help alleviate flooding or sogginess - the answer is yes, to a certain extent. Tree roots can help absorb excess moisture from the soil and prevent erosion, which can be beneficial in areas prone to flooding. However, it's important to keep in mind that planting trees too close to pipes or other infrastructure can potentially cause damage over time. So it's a bit of a balancing act.
Ultimately, the best course of action will depend on the specifics of your situation. If you're concerned about the nearby pipe and sump hole, it may be worth consulting with a local arborist or tree specialist to get their opinion on the matter.
In the meantime, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when planting trees or shrubs:
Consider the mature size of the plant when choosing a location. Make sure there will be enough space for the root system and canopy to grow without interfering with nearby structures.
Check for underground utilities and other potential obstacles before digging. If in doubt, call your local utility company to have the area marked.
If you're dealing with soggy soil, consider planting in a raised bed or mound to help improve drainage.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your planting!
tygertung,
Sep 28, 2:27pm
Can easily preserve the fruit into jam jars.
calostemma,
Sep 29, 12:13pm
depends on the area and rainfall everything's a pest in optional growing areas My sister actually has self sown cyclamens, This is Renmark SA folks I cant keep them alive in pots
budgel,
Sep 29, 12:23pm
Greymouth is possibly too cold to easily grow feijoas. As a kid that grew up in Christchurch, I never saw a feijoa until we moved to Auckland. They are defined as having a subtropical origin.
tygertung,
Sep 29, 3:21pm
There are plenty of feijoa trees growing here now. Must be one of the benefits of global warming.
sr2,
Sep 29, 4:46pm
Feijoa and apple crumble with fresh cream. As good as it gets!
kacy5,
Sep 25, 7:09am
Plenty of them grown in Nth Canterbury, good fruit too.
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