Editing Ficus benjamina (section)

==Destructive roots and hurricane propensity==
The [[United States Forest Service]] states, "Roots grow rapidly, invading gardens, growing under and lifting sidewalks, patios, and driveways." They conclude that its use in tree form is too large for residential planting, therefore, the species should only be used as a hedge or clipped screen.<ref name="USFSFS">{{cite web |last1=Gilman |first1=Edward F. |last2=Watson |first2=Dennis G. |date=November 1993 |title=''Ficus benjamina'' Weeping Fig |url=http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/ficbena.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209183205/http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/ficbena.pdf |archive-date=December 9, 2014 |access-date=December 6, 2014 |work=Fact Sheet ST-251 |publisher=United States Forest Service}}</ref>

These trees are also considered a high risk for succumbing to storm gale winds in hurricane-prone [[South Florida]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2005-08-29-0508280215-story.html|title=FICUS, PINE AT ROOT OF GROWING STORM WOES|first=Liz Doup Staff|last=Writer|website=Sun-Sentinel.com|date=29 August 2005 }}</ref> As a consequence, in many jurisdictions in South Florida, no permit is needed for removal of these trees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.miamidade.gov/permits/tree-removal.asp|title=Tree Removal or Relocation Permits - Miami-Dade County|website=www.miamidade.gov}}</ref> The South Florida Water District recommends removing them safely and promptly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sfwmd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/bts_stormwise_landscapes.pdf |title=Storm Wise South Florida Landscapes {{!}} Landscaping in hurricane-prone southern Florida|publisher=South Florida Water District}}</ref>