Tree that won't lift concrete (avocado, lemon?)

[zorobabel]

I'm finished extending the driveway and I was thinking of having some shade for the garage and some fruit to go with it.
I would like to plant a tree with roots that won't lift/crack concrete, and won't get too big either.
The photos show the available space, the stick just marks the end of an irrigation pipe and the tarp covers the new concrete.
I have a Reed avocado tree and a lemon tree in pots ready to go...
I would appreciate input!

 

[ecotourist]

To guarantee that trees won't crack concrete, grow the trees in large pots. There are nice large pots and nice medium sized trees that will grow in large pots. Also consider what the tree is going to drop on your driveway.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

I would grow grapes

 

[Boomer]

Hawthornes ( no real edible fruit) will grow to 25-30 feet and have deep fibrous roots. I have had them by my sidewalks and driveways with nary an issue.

 

[Jdeere562]

How about a small marijuana patch? That's legal in CA, right?

 

[zorobabel]

To guarantee that trees won't crack concrete, grow the trees in large pots. There are nice large pots and nice medium sized trees that will grow in large pots. Also consider what the tree is going to drop on your driveway.

You mean bury the pot?
Speaking of stuff dropping on the driveway... those Reed avocados would make some nice dents in whatever car I park there.

 

[zorobabel]

I would grow grapes

Interesting, I believe the area used to be a vineyard. No shade for the garage though. I wouldn't be crazy about the bird droppings on the cars.

 

[dogememe]

I have no input on type of tree but there is a common type of tree used here in Napa in private parking lots that drops these horrible hard squishy things for a few months out of the year. And it drives me crazy because in the span of an hour it can drop a thousand of them all over your car and it takes an hour to get them off. Who thought that was a good choice for a tree that people would park under? There are thousands of types of trees they could have used. My point is… research the tree you want to put where you might park a car under to be sure it just has leaves and stuff, rather than dropping sticky or hard things.

 

[zorobabel]

Hawthornes ( no real edible fruit) will grow to 25-30 feet and have deep fibrous roots. I have had them by my sidewalks and driveways with nary an issue.

Thanks for sharing your positive experience!
I'm kinda worried about all the little fruit staining the paint and driveway.

 

[zorobabel]

How about a small marijuana patch? That's legal in CA, right?

I'd then be having people taking their sweet time with the mail

 

[zorobabel]

I have no input on type of tree but there is a common type of tree used here in Napa in private parking lots that drops these horrible hard squishy things for a few months out of the year. And it drives me crazy because in the span of an hour it can drop a thousand of them all over your car and it takes an hour to get them off. Who thought that was a good choice for a tree that people would park under? There are thousands of types of trees they could have used. My point is… research the tree you want to put where you might park a car under to be sure it just has leaves and stuff, rather than dropping sticky or hard things.

I know what you mean, an hour is optimistic after the stains bake in the sun.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Interesting, I believe the area used to be a vineyard. No shade for the garage though. I wouldn't be crazy about the bird droppings on the cars.

Wouldn't the birds be in the trees as well?

 

[zorobabel]

Wouldn't the birds be in the trees as well?

Good point.

 

[SHOZ]

Lay a roll of copper tubing in the soil but not in contact with the cement under the pour, near the edge.

 

[ecotourist]

You mean bury the pot?
Speaking of stuff dropping on the driveway... those Reed avocados would make some nice dents in whatever car I park there.

Nope. Put the pots on top of the ground (or on top of pavers). You can get very nice pots. They're not cheap but then what is.

My wife suggests you talk to a garden center.

 

[zorobabel]

Nope. Put the pots on top of the ground (or on top of pavers). You can get very nice pots. They're not cheap but then what is.

My wife suggests you talk to a garden center.

Thanks, the pot would get in the way of car doors, plus it would cook the contents in summer.