skip to main content

Trees & Shrubs - Australia

Root system of jacaranda trees

21 years ago

Hi

Can anyone tell me how extensive the root system of a jacaranda tree is? My tree is well over 30 years old and I fear that it's roots will result in cracked paving etc.

Many thanks

Andrea Botha

Featured Answer

robyn5760

21 years ago

If your tree is over 30 years old, then it should have done its damage by now. Jacaranda trees do have extensive roots systems - especially at 30 years old, but a 30 year old tree is a magnificent thing, so a bit of cracked paving (I assume you mean concrete paving?) is a small price to pay for being the caretaker of a beautiful tree. I loved when ours carpeted the lawn in deep mauve flowers - just wonderful.
Robyn

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Doona
21 years ago
I wonder if you could cut the root that is most likely to crack the paving, if it was going to. Cutting one shouldn't hurt, should it? I agree that its better to put up with a crack than to lose such a beautiful tree, if it's healthy and thriving that is. If it's straggly and ugly, like some can be, then its a different story.
Donna.
Related Discussions
Concept: One root system for better growth ... and, Mint Tree
Q
Comments (8)
balloonflower, I will be regularily trimming growth before it yellows. florauk, It will be going into a giant container (about 5 times in size) as soon as it is adaquately filled with roots. The mint will be in a south facing window with direct unobstructed sun light for about 6 hours in a day, the rest of the day there will be indirect bright light (Approx 5000 - 20000 lux). I will also be supplimenting CFL light on top of that; a 45W bulb on each plant, which will be on 18hrs/day. This will generate an additional 10000-20000 lux for each plant. As for the winter rest, I'm not sure. If I have to burn it out to find out what happens, then sobeit, but I dont want to leave this plant out all winter and chance its death. Here is a picture of both plants:
...See More
Root system size of shrub high-grafted onto tree?
Q
Comments (1)
I think you are correct that this crApe myrtle's rootstock root system will be smaller than an ungrafted version, but I wouldn't be able to tell you more about the size than that. I don't see a problem with planting it relatively close to your house though. CrApe myrtles aren't known to have an especially aggressive root system, and the roots certainly will never compare in size to a large shade tree. Of course, you don't want to jam the plant up against the side of the house, for aesthetic reasons. I'm having a hard time seeing any problem.
...See More
Banana tree root system taking over!? Help!
Q
Comments (1)
Any update on this? The pups are attached circling the mother corm. Digging is the best bet.
...See More
Can ants kill tree via subterranean colonies harming root system?
Q
Comments (3)
Thank you! It's just strange... no signs of poor health above ground, nothing indicating lightning damage, tree was literally fine through fall, and then spring came and it started to bud and just quit.. only tree on street with no leaves, haha. People have given various opinions from lightning, to supposedly, certain maples are known to sometimes have main roots intertwine, thus choking off roots system..(??)
...See More
Related Professionals
Salisbury Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Florence Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Youngstown Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Merced Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Pine Bluff Landscape Contractors · Odessa Landscape Contractors · Wenatchee Landscape Contractors · Hilo Landscape Contractors · Natchitoches Architects & Building Designers · Sedalia Architects & Building Designers · Enid Architects & Building Designers · Auburn Architects & Building Designers · Santa Barbara Architects & Building Designers · Odessa Architects & Building Designers · Pullman Architects & Building Designers
alisonoz_gw
21 years ago
The root system wil be about as extensive as the height of the tree, but they generally have just a few of the big anchor-type roots that can run close to the surface. Drought conditions could bring some change but generally I agree with the above comments. Knowing the heartbreak it caused my Mum when she sold her home - and the first thing the new owners did was chainsaw the jacaranda - I would suggest you pay a qualified arborist a (probably) modest fee for a quick assessment visit and advice on removal of any offending roots.
greyfox_1_earthlink_net
17 years ago
I have a beautiful and massive 30 year old Jacaranda tree in my backyard about 40 feet high. I have recently noted some cracking in my pavers both inside and outside my home as well as major leakage in my in-ground Spa, all within 10 to 30 feet of the tree. Are the tree roots agressive enough to cause these problems. Thanks
zakiekhoury_live_com
15 years ago
Hi, I have a 40 year old Jaccaranda in my front yard and I wanted to plan seasonals or grassy plants at the base; Does anyone know if it's suitable to plant small rooted flowers around the anchor roots of a Jaccaranda Tree?
bonnie_preston1_verizon_net
15 years ago
We want to build a stone seating wall around our 25 year old jacaranda tree with a diameter of 16 feet (8 ft from the center trunk in all directions). The tree needs a major haircut and the roots 8 feet from the tree all around will have to be cut. My concern is that I don't want to spend $5000 on a seating wall that encloses the tree and then lose the tree due to root damage. And, if I did lose the tree, how in the heck would they remove it after the wall is in place.? Is 8 feet a reasonable distance from the trunk? Advice welcome.
jodybelinato_hotmail_com
15 years ago
HI I have a 20 year old jacaranda tree in my front yard. BEAUTIFUL as it give us a very cool house in summer.
Is there a special way to trim the branches to give sun in winter.
and would the roots do any more damange?
thansk
chezron
10 years ago
You are so right Robyn!

Related Stories

LIFE Tracing the Deep Roots of Design

Are our design choices hardwired? Consider the lasting appeal of forms from the hunter-gatherer life

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Visit a California Hillside House Rooted in Nature

Walls of windows open to stunning mountain and bay views on one side and a serene pool courtyard on the other

ARCHITECTURE Roots of Style: Queen Anne Homes Present Regal Details

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Complex facades with bay windows, multiple shingle patterns and even towers make these Victorian-era homes a sight to behold

ARCHITECTURE Roots of Style: Do You Live in a Minimalist Traditional House?

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Cottages, bungalows, farmhouses ... whatever you call them, houses in this style share several characteristics. See how many your house has

ARCHITECTURE Roots of Style: The Segmental Vault Home

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Distinctive and proud, these houses may be more common than you might first realize

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE Roots of Style: Pueblo Revival Architecture Welcomes Modern Life

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Centuries-old details of adobe construction still appeal in the desert Southwest, adapted to today's tastes

GARDENING GUIDES How to Install a Drip Irrigation System

By Marianne Lipanovich

Save time and water with a drip watering system in your vegetable garden — a little patience now will pay off later

GARDENING GUIDES Tree Care: Common Tree Diseases and What to Do About Them

By Falon Mihalic

Learn to recognize trees that may be affected by diseases or pests so you can quickly take action

SPRING GARDENING 7 Spectacular and Practical Spring-Flowering Trees

Put on a beauteous show in the garden with a landscape tree awash in flowers — just do your homework first

FALL GARDENING 6 Trees You'll Fall For

By Therese Ciesinski

Don’t put down that spade! Autumn is the perfect time for planting these trees

Sponsored