Ficus nitida growth patterns

19 years ago

NOTE to Pagancat: Please don't set my hair on fire; I wanted *dense* shade from a fast-growing tree. And I'd be thrilled if the d****d bermuda didn't grow underneath.

I planted two of these trees on the south side of my house last year. Both got some frostbite but seem to have recovered nicely. My question regards the new growth: it seems to be coming out randomly from the trunk and is longer than the established branches. They look like kids with *very* bad haircuts.

Should I let them do whatever it is they're doing or should I be trimming to shape the trees? Seems to hot to be trimming, but I'm not certain what to do.

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Comments (9)

milos2
19 years ago
Stand under your tree. Where do you want the canopy to begin? Brush, or prune, any growth below that.... water well.
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kazooie
19 years ago
"They look like kids with *very* bad haircuts"

tomato- love your description! that is exactly what my ficus looks like right now too! i think i will wait a bit to give mine a "haircut" until it cools a little. the plants on the patio love the afternoon shade they get from this tree.
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Whatever you do, don't soak it in the sink, don't immerse it, and unless you're only watering your aralia once a month, I can't believe it's still alive either! Whoever told you to dunk plants/trees to water them is all wet :-). You water from above, like nature, just do it enough so it comes out the drain hole and you'll know all roots had a drink. Both your trees dislike being watered too often, though how often to do it will depend on how dry the top inch or so gets how quickly, and not knowing what soil mix you have, it's hard to say, but the mix should be fast draining - you don't want rotting roots. I absolutely suggest you read up on Ficus, Aralia and bonsai however - a good place to start would be "Bonsai4me.com - species guide near the top, then Ficus, because you can't treat them like house plants and bonsai is not something you learn in 3 easy steps... a lifetime is more like it! Yes you may reduce the leaves, but again, until you know more, do nothing. Don't water on schedule, but when a fair amount of soil has dried... watering a half sodden tree will kill it faster than anything. And water slowly - don't just dump a glass in there. And... all that stuff you've seen about pruning, etc... they should explain that when it's done it's done for a reason, not just because it's a 'bonsai'. Something else for you to investigate! Have fun. This post was edited by moochinka on Sun, Sep 28, 14 at 19:38
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"...trees can significantly reduce such adverse effects through their ability to capture pollutant particles." I think you have misunderstood the findings in that paper. The researchers examined how common urban trees *capture* pollutants. Particulate pollutants are a witches brew of airborne nasties, e.g., tailpipe emissions, diesel exhaust, tire wearings, fast food kitchen exhaust, smoke from fireplaces and other sources, construction activities, etc, etc. Actual fine dirt, aka "dust" is only a small part. There are no "toxins" IN your trees; they're ON your trees. It's not just your ficus trees; it's ALL trees and plants (and your house and your car and all other inanimate objects) that 'capture' these pollutants. When I pick oranges or grapefruit, I either wash the trees down first or wear a good quality pollen mask. I am extremely sensitive to dust of any kind - and that's exactly what is on your trees: dust of *every* kind. If you haven't removed your ficus trees yet, you might reconsider as whatever you replace them with will do the exact same thing: gather airborne particulates. (If you're tired of the every-few-years frost damage, that's another story.) Your best bet is to arm yourself with safety glasses, good pollen mask (not the thin things) and a hose with a strong spray attachment. Wash the trees down every so often so that when the wind blows, you're not so likely to breathe in all that nasty stuff. Here is a link that might be useful: [particle pollution](http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=particle_health.page1)
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Still don't think it's a good choice, but here you go for some info on planting: http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pd_23df.html These are not bushes, but at maturity can be huge trees. This link takes you to a very long and interesting discussion of ficus nitida (and a lot of other stuff, too). I commented a few times. I love this tree and had two in ground and two in containers. They are all dead and gone, killed by frosts in different years. :( I won't plant another one. Here is a link that might be useful: Ficus discussion on GW
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According to Landscape Plants for Dry Climates (written by a faculty member at UA), Ficus Nitida in the ground should be watered every week or two in the hot season and every month or two in the cool but they also point out that many established trees seem to do fine without water - while its not really a low water use plant it certainly is not a water hog. They also recommend them as large container plants. Personally I absolutely love them. I bought one which I have not yet planted cause I don't know where to put it. I might put it in a container - I am concerned about how big it will get in the ground and the roots. I keep changing my mind about where to put it. I also absolutely love Palo Brea which I will put in my yard when I convert it to Xeriscape. I love Ironwood and Jacarandas and Agaves. On the other hand, I'm indifferent to palms and don't care for Chilean Mesquite. There is a Acacia which I can't even be close to when it blooms cause the smell makes me gag. Unfortunately there are tons of them by my work building - guess its not so bad that I'm losing my job :)
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greenlust
19 years ago
I have 2 ficus trees, one is growing very fast. Looks like she likes steer manure. :) The other ficus is kinda surrounded by hardrock, so is bit slower than the other.

Its too hot outside now to enjoy the shade. :)
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tomatofreak
Original Author
19 years ago
Milos, I can't stand under my tree; I'd have to be about one foot tall to do that! The branches are very low to the ground. Should I trim the lower ones? Will that release more energy to the top? They've been in the ground for at least a year, they get irrigation every two weeks for most of the year and I don't water a lot in between. The appear to be very healthy, just look strange...
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Pagancat
19 years ago
Prune to about one inch above the ground...(Anyone have any matches???)

Just kidding!
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azamigo
19 years ago
The trunks of ficus can sunburn, so it would be best to do the prunning in a few weeks once the monsoon has cranked up and we're getting more cloudy weather. At the very least don't prune the tree so that the west side is exposed to the sun. If the tree is really upsetting you then you can trim it up and wrap up the exposed trunk with burlap or cardboard until the tree develops enough foliage to shade the area. Overall I wouldn't be nearly as concerned about the trunk of a ficus burning as much as a citrus or ash tree. And Pagen-why are you so anti ficus tree. A few days of 115 degree weather should make anyone eager to have a few shady trees in their yard. As far as the water use of the tree, well in one way or another you use water to cool your house and make life comfortable here. Whether it is a pool, a few thirsty shade trees, misted patios at your favorite restaurant or swamp coolers. While a yard full of gravel and ocotillos might not take much water, it will make your house hotter, require more electricity-and guess what Pagan? Power plants are one of the biggest users of water!!!
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tomatofreak
Original Author
19 years ago
LOL, PC, I knew you couldn't resist! I cut my hair just in case.

I'm not bothered by the trees, I just want to know what's best to do with/for them at this point. So far, I think I'll leave them alone for a while. Maybe I'll trim up from the bottom when the rain starts. All ideas/advice welcome. Well, except for Pagancat's...
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milos2
19 years ago
My two ficus have been in the ground since the fall of '01. They're doing great. They really don't require as much water as everyone seems to think. I deep soak mine about every 2 weeks.
Is that a lot of water? I didn't know that their trunks could sunburn and prune when ever... but their crowns are pretty big. At some point, you should start removing those lower branches so that you end up with a nicely shaped tree.
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Pagancat
19 years ago
Oh, fine! My way is much quicker and *quite* effective.

>snarky grin
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Ficus nitida growth patterns

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milos2

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Ficus nitida growth patterns

Comments (9)

milos2

kazooie

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greenlust

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