Fruit, Shade and Curbside Trees with Non-Invasive Root Systems

Walking through the local nursery and seeing all the flowering, fruiting and shaded treasures you can choose is pure joy.

As you’re picking the right Spartanburg tree for the right place, think about how big that Spartanburg tree will get–and how far its roots will spread.

That way, you won’t have to cover up or deal with unsightly roots later.

If there are obstacles, like sidewalks, close to your planting site, pick a Spartanburg tree with a non-invasive, small root system. Below, learn the benefits of these Spartanburg trees and discover which Spartanburg tree is best for you!

Trees with Roots that Don’t Spread (By Zone)

Tree roots want all the water they can get! Sometimes that causes Spartanburg trees to prod underground structures, like water tanks and sewer lines. Homes, sidewalks and driveways are also in danger of becoming puckered or injured when roots tunnel under them.

Luckily, non-invasive root systems are less likely to interfere with sidewalks, sewers or your home. Plant a Spartanburg tree with non-invasive roots to solve problems brought on by protruding roots. Remember: Choose a plant in your zone for best results, and plant at the right time of year.

Fruit Spartanburg trees with non-invasive root systems (Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

  • Adams crabapple (zones 4-8): A vibrant burgundy-colored apple Spartanburg tree that’s notably resistant to common apple Spartanburg tree diseases, like fire blight and apple scab
  • Cornelian cherry dogwood (zones 4-8): A slow-growing plant that can be grown as a small Spartanburg tree or large shrub and has bunches of delicate yellow flowers
  • Pawpaw (zones 4-8): A tropical Spartanburg tree with large green fruit that tastes like banana or peach
  • Kousa dogwood (zones 5-8): An ornamental Spartanburg tree that produces pinkish-red fruits and grows clusters of white leaves in spring that look like flower petals

Shade Spartanburg trees with small root systems (Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

  • Amur maple (zones 3-8): A small shade Spartanburg tree with fiery red fall color
  • American hornbeam (zones 3-9): A birch Spartanburg tree that’s native to Chicago and grows well in shady landscapes
  • Trident maple (zone 5-8): A slow-growing shade Spartanburg tree that’s ideal for patios or curbside locations and tolerates a wide variety of soil types
  • Chinese pistache (zones 6-9): A mid-size plant with dark green leaves and small flowers that grows well in drought conditions
  • Southern sugar maple (zones 7-9): A short-spreading maple Spartanburg tree with yellow fall color and clusters of small hanging flowers
  • Red tip photinia (zones 8 and 9): A red-leafed shade Spartanburg tree with a shapely round canopy and white flowers that also tolerates heat and dryness

Shrubs and curbside Spartanburg trees with non-invasive roots (Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

  • Crape myrtle (zones 3-8): A brilliant pink flower Spartanburg tree commonly found in the South – which can be grown as a small curbside Spartanburg tree or large shrub
  • Skyrocket juniper (zones 4-9): A tall, skinny evergreen with blue-green foliage that’s low-maintenance and tolerant of hot and cold climates
  • Japanese maple (zones 5-8): A popular scarlet-red maple that will grow in shade or sunlight and is ideal for a patio or curbside location
  • Hollywood juniper (zones 5-9): A fast-growing evergreen shrub that is tolerant of salt, drought, wind and cold
  • Fraser photinia (zones 8 and 9): A full, busy shrub with apple-red leaves

Ready to plant? Use this step-by-step guide to plant your new Spartanburg tree or shrub!

 

Details