Ficus nitida privacy hedge OK for Central Florida?

[Sandy Loam]

Greetings Floridians on this forum. What do you think of growing a ficus nitida privacy hedge in Winter Haven, Florida? It's basically the same weather as Orlando, and possibly one or two degrees cooler than Tampa (often the sane though). I think I just saw a ficus hedge on one of the winter haven lakes, and it does not appear to have suffered any cold damage from the three-four day Christmas cold snap. I just don't want to risk any defoliation in winter; I do not want to be seeing my neighbours at any time of the year through the hedge.

 

Thoughts? I'm a bit scared of the roots travelling and harming nearby structures, but then when I see how those ficus hedges are everywhere in South Florida, I guess they can't be too horrible. I'm not sure what type is typically used in South florida, but I have heard that Ficus Nitida is a bit more cold-hearted than the type used in places near Miami.

[bubba]

Ficus hedges have become problematic in South Florida with the white fly. I do not know how far this issue extends. That stated, I am not certain that I would recommend Ficus for hedging even in the event it could grow without issue.

Edited April 7, 2023 by bubba
Corrupt dictation system

[PalmatierMeg]

I am leery of all ficus - I found their root systems to be invasive and far reaching. We are still battling roots and their offsets from our Ficus religiosa that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

[bubba]

That stated, growing up climbing huge Banyan trees on the old Phipps property was a great memory. Not a hedge.