Shefflera arbicola

19 years ago

Hi!!

I have a Shefflera Arbicola, i.e Umbrella tree that is about 12feet tall. I planted it small about 5 years ago.

The trouble is that my neighbor just noticed it and said it will have to be moved because the roots are invasive and will eventually damage his paved bbq area on the other side of my lap and cap wooden fence.

Does anyone know how invasive the roots are? I will hate to move it. If I have to move it ...will it survive and is there anything I can do to assure it survives?

Thank you in advance for your help!

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Comments (5)

greencroc
19 years ago
They can do a lot of damage,mainly to plumbing,paths,housing structure,eg walls,patios.They are such a hardy plant that is why you can move it away at least 20 feet from structure and replant,but you will have to get rid of all the roots from the present position or it will reshoot.Someone might correct on the distance but it will be close(20feet).Most people would advise you to get rid of it altogether,but if there is a safe place for it,then it,s up to you.I have bought the miniature version of the plant ,only getup to a little over 4 feet,Graeme.
ari_wh
19 years ago
Well, we just removed 2 umbrella trees (by grinding the stumps from our property) a year ago, because they are just impossible. The roots are so extensive, they get everywhere.

Graeme is right... they will reshoot. We found that out the hard way.. I don't think you can kill it really. We are still finding roots everywhere even now after a year.

Regards, Ari :)
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I'll go with the thought that earthworms have invaded the soil somehow at the store. Possibly the pot was put in such position that worms could make entry. You re-potted, you didn't say with what, so we'll assume it was with a decent potting soil and that while adding such worms were not seen. So we can say the worms were there before. You could take the pot into your laundry room and there immerse totally the pot so that water goes over the rim. There it sits letting the bubbles appear to say the soil is being filled. Once the bubbles stop, that's your assurance all cavities have filled. Worms, and bugs are air-breathers, they must come up. When they do, you pick them off. You may decide a complete soil change is called for. Throw the old stuff on the lawn or in the compost. When removed, wash all soil off the roots and re-pot making sure the soil is away from the drainage holes by having shards or something in-between. Then water well to drainage and treat this as a normal watering.
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Morning, My goodness this thread grew...:) Purple, I had to chuckle....Don't read between the lines. lol. Ok. Purp, no need to worry. You will not be held accountable for my stupidity if a plant or plants kick the bucket. I am indeed proud of you for coming up with the idea and sharing with us poor, over-crowded indoor gardeners. Believe me, so far, my combined plants are doing well, and would you believe, the YARD has more room??? Of course, while shopping yesterday, I did something I said I wouldn't do...browse plants at Home Depot, came home with Phonix roebelenii. A large plant! Asleep, my 'man.' How are you? How's the Scheff's coming along. Sorry, I didn't read all the posts, so will have to update to understand what you and Purp are discussing. As for long hair on men, you know my feelings..I think it's sexy. lol. The last line I read was you talking about moving tanks, and stuff on tanks..Ugh is right! I'm seeing Monsteras. Very pretty Philodendrons, but grow TALL. For some reason, a Monster, Split leaf? I bought at WAlmart before I said I wasn't going to be buying more plants, hangs...??? What's with that. It has a health problem, for sure..Everyday I find another brown leaf. The basket doesn't have a saucer, so it gets watered in the sink. To think, I left a smaller, much smaller version in the alley for someone to take..and they did. So, who's grouping what these days? Toni
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chris_rex
19 years ago
Schefflera arboricola is a small plant to about 12ft [ 4 metres ] I think its the Schefflera actinophylla which is the aggressive rooted species. If anyone disagrees with this please let me know, as I have the arboricola planted over our sewer pipe !
greencroc
19 years ago
You are right about the species Chris,but there are even smaller umbrella trees one with variegated leaves get up to 1.5 meters,but at 12 feet and near your pipes I would say no go for arboricola,Graeme.
Yisraelee
19 years ago
Tell him to shift his patio elsewhere if your tree was there before!

Shefflera arbicola

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greencroc

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