Plants and Trees to Avoid

Plants and trees to avoid

Aborist Mark Hartley, of The Tree Doctor (www.treedoc.com.au), suggests making sure you know what care is required before planting anything. Also check with local council to find out what plants have been declared noxious or invasive, and consider where trees and shrubs are positioned to keep nuisance plants away from fences, paths and driveways. The solution to most so-called pest plants is maintenance to prevent them growing out of control.

RUNNING BAMBOO

Problem

Highly invasive if not kept in a pot, and the roots can end up next door.

Solution

Choose a non-running bamboo instead.

FIG TREES

Problem

Roots can grow a metre a month in wet weather, and the closer the root is to the surface, the more likely it is to do damage.

Solution

Keep in a pot or an area with good soil where it can develop deeper roots.

WANDERING JEW

Problem

This is known for its invasive nature and propensity to cause dog allergies.

Solution

A blue-flowered native version is less of an allergen and not so invasive.

RHUS TREE

Problem

This can cause severe skin irritation, sometimes resulting in hospitalisation.

Solution

Remove and never plant it.

LEIGHTON’S GREEN

Problem

A hedging plant that, if not rigorously maintained, quickly becomes massive and uncontrollable, with removal the only solution.

Solution

Choose an alternative such as lilly pilly that can be hedged at any time.

COCOS PALM

Problem

Produces over 100kg of fruit a year that is inedible to everything except troublesome flying foxes.

Solution

In Sydney, two new bat colonies have started because of this tree. Avoid planting.

LONDON PLANE

Problem

Extremely hardy, making it popular with local councils, but the fruit and leaves produce small fibres that can cause some people considerable discomfort.

Solution

Choose a different hardy plant that likes lots of sunlight.