[pacifistart]

I need to plant some hedges right to the edge of a raised stone patio, next to the retaining wall. How shallow or how deep these trees need their roots to be? Will they be able to extend their roots through the gravel aunderneath the top soil ?

The top soil will have about 1.5 -2 feet and then it will be about 1 ft of gravel underneath and then soil again.

I hope to be able to accomodate 6ft emerald cedars in this bed.

Does it sound feasible?

[Greensmith]

The emeralds dont have a significant root system depth wise. I have seen them planted on retaining wall gardens only 10 inches deep with success.

[agla]

They do tend to be pretty fibery and on top. 18" is plenty for these guys, although they may be susceptible to blowing over and uprooting several years down the road being on top of gravel.

[Forge]

They do have shallow root systems, but are considered one of those plants that can take 'constrained' planting areas. As long as they were kept pruned and not allowed to grow full height and fertilized regularly, there shouldn't be any problem with the growing conditions you described.

[pacifistart]

Thanks for all the replies, this forum is really great !