Trees And Patios
 

My 2 Fruit Tree's Arrived Today. An Apple & Pear Tree. 7ft Tall

I want to plant these in my border, but i'm worried if the roots will push up the patio.

Would this be the case if I did plant them near the patio?

I have every intention of not letting them grow above 9-10ft, But I'm still wondering about the patio.

Ive attached an image of the patio and border.

[IMG]http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...a/IMG_5031.jpg[/IMG]

re: Trees And Patios
 

Over time the trees will mature, even if their barnch size is controlled the roots will expand as the tree grows. Inevitably that will cause the roots to swell and that risks damaging any lightweght objects such as paving, fence posts, etc that are in the vicinity.

re: Trees And Patios
 

What about growing them in large pots? Would I still get a Good Supply of fruit?

re: Trees And Patios
 

There are many mini trees that love pots, but watering will become a chore (I speak from experience). They crop as well as many dwarf trees. Big heavy pots are best to stop them toppling. Or you can make planters with marine ply or pressure-treated gravel boards that will last for years. Don't try internally waterproofing with bitumen as this kills plants! I fibreglassed the interior of some of my large planters.

For example

http://www.jparkers.co.uk/plant-0001...e-golden-spur/

Trees will also suck the moisture out of the soil for metres all round, and can cause subsidence, not only of the patio, but of houses nearby! And your neighbours might get miffed about overhanging branches. They have the right to cut them to the boundary line.

If you grow in planters, pots, remember NOT to sit the pot directly onto the ground, but raised on feet or bricks. This will stop little roots getting out and becoming big underground roots!!

Think "Bonsai" ;)

re: Trees And Patios
 

Google says that only certain rootstocks are suitable for pot growing. That makes sense to me as the apple tree in my old house was about 2' wide at the base of the trunk. That would have needed a helluva pot !!

Also, you have to water them faithfully as they can't collect the water they need from the ground.

Oops, Taf got there first.