Is it true if you place netting around ficus root ball this will prevent the roots from spreading?

Question

and force the tree to grow upward? Also should I plant the trees first then put in a water system so we can tell how much space the trees will need? thanks

they'll be planted in direct outdoor sun in socal yard

Answer 1

Do NOT plant in the yard unless you want it to take over!!! Roots half a mile long have been found on ficus trees since the roots will travel whereever they need to to find water and will continue to grow within that water supply. Many a water system has been overgrown by ficus roots, effectively destroying water pipes.

It's true that if you have a ficus in a POT, it will limit its growth, but if planted in a yard, the ficus tree is one of the most difficult to contain to one area.

Netting is used only to transport, not to contain the roots. The netting will eventually rot away and the roots will go everywhere. If you want ficus trees in your yard, your two options are to use very large pots (that's what we have and they're quite lovely), or plant them very far away from buildings, roads or sidewalks.

We live in Florida and there are many ficus trees that have grown so large that the trunk/root structure is as large as a small house: amazing sights when the hurricanes knock them over and the roots are higher than a two/three-story building (just the roots that GET pulled up, so you can only imagine how large the total root structure is!).

Answer 2

Yes. My husband is excellent at plants. He took my ficus from 7 leaves to a 3' tall tree that's taking over the buffet in our dining room. It will make it grow taller. And use indirect light.