I live in Northern California (San Jose).....in front of my home, I presently have three "Liquid Amber" trees which are located in the park strip (area for each = 2 1/2' x 4' ).

I must replace the trees because their roots have destroyed the sidewalk and curb.

I am requesting a recommendation for replacement trees with root system which tend to go down rather then across.

Does placing a deep watering pipe in the hole at planting time help force roots down?

Reply to post by Frank Cabral, on April 02, 2001 at 13:44:06:

Actually, all tree roots go across. Just some do it closer to the surface than others. I recently was at a conference in Modesto and they have planted a lot of Ginkgo trees. These trees are pest free and tend to do little if any damage to sidewalks. The planter strip you mentioned is awfully small for ANY tree however. Is there a way to increase the amount of soil space available for the tree? Almost any tree will eventually damage the walk here because the space is so small. As the tree grows the big roots at the base have to get big to hold the tree up...and it will fill this space. But if you have to have a tree, Ginkgo is my choice.