April 13, 2026
Q:
I want to plant an Amelanchier Obelisk in the location of the pot of ivy hoops in the image attached. The area is 130cm length at ground level and only 1m higher up. Depth is 1m. It would be planted in the ground. Position is SE facing so gets full sun all morning and shade of house all afternoon. Is the area big enough, and would the roots impact foundations of house.
A:
We really think it would be very unwise to plant any tree so close to the house – not good either for the tree or the building! We suggest a climber (not ivy, as also not good for the house, and not Boston ivy as, although it climbs by suckers, people think it is ivy and it can affect the resale value of the house), perhaps a clematis, climbing (not rambling – too big) rose or Trachelospermum jasminoides – assuming the wall gets a reasonable amount of sun. There are many others to choose from, and most of them have a longer period of interest than Amelanchier.
If you really want your Amelanchier, you could grow it in a large pot, which would keep its roots out of the foundations and allow you to turn it to keep the tree a good shape. If you go for this, we would suggest anchoring the pot to stop it blowing over once the tree is large enough to be affected by wind bouncing back off the wall, but you would need to be able to free it to turn it and then refix.
Hope this is helpful!
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