Do Brazilian fern trees (schizolobium parahybum have aggressive roots?

[OverGrown]

I have a one gallon to plant and was wondering how far from hardscape is recommended. Please share your experiences.

Thanks

[Gonzer]

Never had a problem . It was about 3' from the drive and gas meter.

[Dypsisdean]

Here is one I downloaded from the web awhile back from Hawaii. I doubt they get that big in SoCal - but these are not small trees.

[Dypsisdean]

Not sure - but I think this is Florida.

[OverGrown]

Never had a problem . It was about 3' from the drive and gas meter.

What size was this planted and how long did it take for it to get this size?

[Geoff]

Never seen one with buttress roots in California, nor any damage or even see any hint of where the roots are… some pretty old and many-branched trees in California and nothing bad heard about them yet

[fastfeat]

Pretty good-sized tree (eventually) with a tendency to buttress, a-la Delonix regia. While not as pronounced in CA as in FL, they still will tilt or crack panels (sidewalks. driveways, patios) at sizes like the one in Gonzer's pic above. Seen one that size lifting sidewalk of a 5' parkway, not surprisingly.

If you're planning on keeping the tree long term, I'd recommend a minimum of 10' (one way) from trunk to concrete, probably further of it's your foundation, water main or gas main.

[Gonzer]

Mine was planted out as a sickly twig from a 5 gallon. Maybe 4' tall. I'd guess it was about 8 years old in that photo. The soil was good draining river silt, irrigated regularly with soaker hose but never fed. I would still plant yours further away to be safe. Roots weren't my main concern, it was the angle of the lateral branches that sometimes gave me pause for thought during big windstorms.

[Alicehunter2000]

Wow! ..... what does your neighbor think about your garden?

[amazondk]

Here is one in habitat in Brazil.

[MattyB]

So cool! I'm scared that I planted three within 20' circle, doh

[Al in Kona]

I've seen a few huge trees here in Kona (like the one posted above by DK in Brazil). One very big tree was recently removed as they were afraid it might fall or cause damage to buildings nearby. It was growing on a rather steep hillside with business buildings below.