[Arid_gardener] Hi...

[olindmiller]

From:  http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Moraceae/Ficus_retusa.html

Indian Laurel Fig, Ficus nitida, Growth Habits: Evergreen tree 30 to 60 feet 
tall (9-18 m), 30 feet spread (9 m); invasive roots.

Tree roots normally extend out past the edge of the tree's canopy and 
beyond.  It may not be possible to find a tree that will branch out and 
provide shade over the sidewalk and not have roots tahat will grow out under 
the sidewalk.  You might want to consider forgoing the shade a plant a small 
tree or large shrub instead.  There are many choices, deciduous, evergreen, 
flowering, etc.  you may have a problem.  AMWUA's book, "Landscape Plants 
for the Arizona Desert"  has excellent descriptions, with photos.   It is 
available at the Master Gardener Offices listed at
http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/general/question.htm
and also from the water conservation departments of most of the cities in 
the valley.

Olin
===========================================

----- Original Message ----- From: <NatureOutdr at aol.com>
Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 5:59 PM
>I am wanting to plant a ficus nitidia and have questions regarding how 
>close
> I can plant it to the house.  Are the roots invasive?  I have a  very 
> small
> area between the sidewalk and the house and want to plant a tree  there 
> that
> would give some folage, shade and interest.  Would the ficus  work...or do 
> you
> have another suggestion?