The wife and I will be moving into our new home next week.  I brought with me just one mission tree from a cutting I took at our old place.   We are now in a zone 7 climate, so I am thinking about planting it against the south wall of our garage.

The garage is built on a slab.  How close to the structure should I plant it?   Is it likely to crack the foundation or floor?

i would give it 6' if you plan on trimming it. More if not.

It's not the above ground portion of the tree I am concerned with.  I will probably espalier it along the side of the garage wall.

I am thinking more of any potential damage the roots may do to the foundation and the slab.

Some roots while small can find little cracks and as they enlarge split open a little more.  You could dig out a trench about 6 to 8 feet long, about 12 inches wide and 2 feet deep and throw cinder blocks in to impede the roots from reaching the slab and ease your worries.

Come on out.  We'll give you the tour...

I lived out there for a few months in 2001- then 9/11 moved back home. Phoenix (Chandler) was too hot for me. Almost bought land in Williams.

Dave,

The distance I prescribed was for potential root developement. I frequently see large roots at the surface if large fig trees. This one had a 5" thick root a few feet away from the trunk.

Ruben,

Joe,

Not as big as this one also growing locally. Trunk diameter is abt. 2.5'.

Wow Ruben what would I do for a fig tree that size on my property here in Michigan.

Yes, Ruben, that is a beautiful tree!

Thanks Ruben.   I was thinking of planting it up against the garage wall so it would get reflected heat in the winter.

I guess that's not gonna be the plan.  Cutting back a little dead wood in the spring is much preferable than having to pour a new garage slab.

Dave,

I'm sure at 6' it would still get a lot of benefit from reflected and absorbed heat. Good luck!