Growing Kiwi - How aggressive is the root system? - Ask Extension
I was excited by prospect of growing Kiwi here (Albany) and found the OSU Extension article "Growing Kiwifruit in Your Home Garden" exceptio...
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Growing Kiwi - How aggressive is the root system? #891607
Asked January 15, 2025, 12:10 PM EST
I was excited by prospect of growing Kiwi here (Albany) and found the OSU Extension article "Growing Kiwifruit in Your Home Garden" exceptionally useful regarding placement, support, growing and caring for Kiwi. Great article.
I would like to know how aggressive is a Kiwi's root system? Should I worry about competition if it is too close to my raised beds? Could the roots cause damage if I place a plant too close to my house foundation?
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi, Vince,
I’m glad you found the Extension Kiwi publication useful. Kiwi roots are generally described as fibrous, wide-spreading, but relatively sparse and growing in clumps. So for question #1, yes, they could indeed invade your raised beds. Raised beds and compost piles, being nutrient-rich and often well-watered, are a natural target of any nearby tree or shrub roots.
However, being fibrous, they shouldn’t be any threat to the foundation of your house. It takes strong woody tree roots to cause that sort of problem.
I’m glad you found the Extension Kiwi publication useful. Kiwi roots are generally described as fibrous, wide-spreading, but relatively sparse and growing in clumps. So for question #1, yes, they could indeed invade your raised beds. Raised beds and compost piles, being nutrient-rich and often well-watered, are a natural target of any nearby tree or shrub roots.
However, being fibrous, they shouldn’t be any threat to the foundation of your house. It takes strong woody tree roots to cause that sort of problem.
