Planting a fig tree near the house

[71GTO]

Ok, there has been some discussion in the past on these and some varying opinions. I would like to plant one or two trees on the south side of my house. It's a newer house and the basement is block(cinder?). I don't beleive fig roots are that invasive and I have seen plenty of trees planted very close to houses and walls and I havnt heard of Damage, but I'd like to be safe and not have issues or have big tree right on the house if it ever got that big. I'd hate to have to cut it down or back if we had to do work in the house or something. Any opinions are appreciated.

[Hershell]

I don't see how it could be negative in our life time and after that it's someone else's problem. Enjoy life now, who knows what will be there in 10 or so years. Jmo

[SarinaP]

For what it's worth, many of the fig trees I've seen in VA are planted right up against the house.

[Taverna78]

I have 5 against my house and they grown very well. I read is good for them because they enjoy the coolness of the house foundation during hot days also the warmth of foundation on very cold days. I would plant about 3-5 ft from house but on angle so growns out and away from touching the house. If you plant on good enough angle make much easier to bend down to the ground and cover in winter.

[don_sanders]

I would say it probably depends on where you are located. Figs seem like they can have very vigorous roots that spread quite far but it would be difficult for a tree to really grow large in my climate. Some of the monsters that I've seen pics of in the warmer climates, I wouldn't want planted within 20ft of my house. Might not cause issues but better safe than sorry.

[71GTO]

Thanks for the reponses. I am in NJ zone 7b.

[fitzski]

Like Mike said, I'd plant 3-5 ft from the house. Having painted houses in my youth, we were constantly pruning or tying back bushes that were planted 1-2 ft from houses. They look good when they are first planted but as they grow larger they become a problem.

Another things to consider is where the water and sewer lines are in relation to where you want to plant them. My neighbor had to pull out all their bushes planted above their sewer line as the roots had invaded the line.

Good Luck! Add some pictures when you're done planting.