How close to a building can I plant a magnolia tree?

ernie-money

For years I've wanted a magnolia tree, but now that we've sorted out the garden, I'm starting to wonder if it would be practically possible to plant it in our relatively small garden... I have no idea how large the root system gets, so how far away from ours and neighbours houses we'd need to plant it, to make sure it wouldn't damage any footings or cause any other structural problems.
Any advice would be gratefully received!

Leif

You need to watch out for any pipes. My holly destroyed a buried drainage pipe belonging to my neighbour. I think Magnolia are slow growing. I have a Camellia 2m from the house if that, and it has cracked the path. It is next to a drain opening and does not seem to have damaged it. It must be 20 years or more old. I have seen some nearby about 4m from the house. Most people seem not to worry. Apparently they are not a serious worry.

http://www.ehow.co.uk/about_6453817_magnolia-roots-damage-home-foundations_.html

A problem with some trees is the resulting change in soil moisture levels during the growing season so it is not necessarily root penetration that is the worry.

Mojisola

It depends on which Magnolia you want - they vary quite a lot in size.

I don't think you need to worry about the structure of the house. Just make sure you put your plant in a place that will give it room to grow to its maximum without impinging on paths or buildings.

harrys_nan

No idea re planting, but do have a look at Magnolia Stellata

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=1226

This is such a pretty plant I have one in my garden

splodger_seedswapper

i have a magnolia (jane) in my front garden - it's about 2m from wall
as suggested above - avoid drains
the thing to remember about planting trees - is that roots will generally spread as far (if not further) as it's longest branch - so when selecting a tree to be planted near the house - check the approx spread and height expected for that particular variety - a dwarf specimen will not have the root spread of a tall tree. there are many magnolias which have a height average between 1 or 2 m's - wheras a grandiflora can reach 3.4 to 4 + m's

ernie-money

splodger_seedswapper wrote: »

i have a magnolia (jane) in my front garden - it's about 2m from wall
as suggested above - avoid drains
the thing to remember about planting trees - is that roots will generally spread as far (if not further) as it's longest branch - so when selecting a tree to be planted near the house - check the approx spread and height expected for that particular variety - a dwarf specimen will not have the root spread of a tall tree. there are many magnolias which have a height average between 1 or 2 m's - wheras a grandiflora can reach 3.4 to 4 + m's

That's really useful, thank you very much!