Dwarf conifer root spread

lytton

Hi guys.

I’m in a new build with one of those horrendous minimalist front lawn/border areas that combines a tiny space with unremarkable but low maintenance shrubs/things. They are an eyesore so I ripped the lot up and aim to replace it with a length of bedding by the road with some grass seed/lawn behind it. I’ve already picked a combination of dwarf tree/shrubs and general bedding plants and herbs to catch the eye. The Acer has gone in already as I’m satisfied from research that the root system won’t be a problem given the proximity to the house (5-6 foot from the kitchen window).

I have two dwarf conifers ready to go in the bed, varieties Ohlendorffii and Thuja Teddy. We’re looking at 50cm high after 10 years according to the labels. I don’t have experience with dwarf varieties, only medium to large conifers previously. Is it safe to assume that the root system will be proportionately small accordingly? The bedding position will be a similar 5-6 feet from the front of the house and about 1 foot from the footpath/road. I’ve seen plenty of similar gardens in my new town with comparable designs and the conifers/acers seem well established and I’ve not noticed any torn up footpaths. To complicate matters there are not one but three water pipe/sewer covers on my lawn area (between the house and the bedding) which would be within a couple of feet from the proposed planting area. I’ve created a very low mound as part of the bedding, would planting the conifers in their pots to restrict growth be an idea, or would even these dwarf varieties have a potentially negative impact on the nearby pipes/house. I can try and attach a picture to give an idea of plant locations:

https://ibb.co/euQ4Cy

Proposed plant locations - anywhere along the left hand bedding spot by the path, perhaps in line with the pink plant pot. You can see the three different water pipe covers slap bang in the middle of the dirt lawn area. Any advice would be appreciated, cheers.

Davesnave

Modern foundations go down a metre and modern drainage systems don't leak if installed properly, so risks would be minimal. Conifers have mainly fibrous root systems anyway and these tend not to spread far.

It wouldn't be a good idea to plant the trees in their pots as they'll gradually exhaust the nutrients, or you'll forget to water them, or both.

Sometimes dwarf conifers turn out to be not quite as dwarf as claimed, but if you purchased from a reputable source, you should be OK. In any event, they aren't going to shoot up like Jack's beanstalk overnight, so now you have them, wait and see.

lytton

Ta Davesnave. They’re both from a nearby garden centre that supplies decent enough products, not ebay or anything risky. I’m happy cutting them back if they do suddenly explode upwards anyway. Everything else I’m experienced with for the most part, I’ll just fill the space with sandstone and plenty of Hebes and herbs. Thanks.