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We all love the sight of majestic trees surrounding a home. Not only do they provide beneficial shade and wind protection, but they also boost curb appeal and offer a habitat for birds and other fauna. However, not all trees are good candidates for planting near houses, as certain varieties can cause structural damage or interfere with utility and power lines.
When choosing a tree for your landscape, always research its mature size. “A good rule of thumb: if the tree’s canopy is 40 feet across at maturity, plant the tree no closer than 20 feet from the house. This will also prevent damage to a home if the tree falls during a windstorm or hurricane,” says ISA-certified arborist Eva Monheim.
To help you make an educated decision, we’re sharing the tree varieties experts say to never grow near your home. While that’s not to say you can never plant these trees in your yard, our experts warn that they should be a safe distance away from your foundation to avoid potential issues.
Silver Maple
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Trees with shallow roots, such as silver maple (Acer saccharinum), should be planted about 30 to 40 feet from your home’s foundation, says Monheim. In this case, it isn’t the tree roots that damage the foundation, but rather that the soil moves away from the foundation as the roots get closer to the house, making the structure vulnerable. Instead, Monheim recommends planting silver maple trees away from your home in low-lying areas where flooding is usually an issue.
Certain Evergreen Trees
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While some smaller evergreens can be suitable for planting near your home, beware of taller varieties. “People sometimes forget that the cute 6-foot-tall evergreen they just planted will grow to be 40 to 50 feet tall,” says landscape designer Jan Johnsen. “For example, a Colorado spruce tree (Picea pungens) has the Christmas tree shape that everyone likes, but it cannot be pruned easily, and so it grows skyward, dwarfing a house. It also becomes a hazard when it grows too tall.”
Weeping Cherry Tree
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A weeping cherry tree (Prunus pendula) is a glorious sight when it’s in full bloom, but it may not be the best choice for planting near your home. “People like the look of a weeping cherry tree by their house, but the standard weeping cherry has branches that can eventually spread 20 to 30 feet,” says Johnsen. “If planted too close, the branches will rub against siding, gutters, or windows. It also has shallow, spreading roots that may interfere with the foundations, sidewalks, or underground utilities.” Instead, Johnsen suggests trying the smaller ‘Snow Fountain’ weeping cherry tree. “It is low-growing but grows wide. Plant it at least 15 to 20 feet away from the house,” she says.
Weeping Willow
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The lovely weeping willow (Salix babylonica) makes a stunning addition to a landscape, but planting one can have unintended consequences. “I always avoid planting a weeping willow near a home,” says Johnsen. “Its aggressive roots search out water, and they can easily clog water, septic, and sewer pipes near the house. This can lead to costly repairs and property damage.” She notes that willows also drop a lot of debris. “Their brittle limbs break easily in wind, ice, or snow,” Johnsen says.
Black Willow
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Another willow with shallow roots, the black willow (Salix nigra) can be a beautiful addition to your yard, but be sure to place it a good distance from your home. Monheim recommends a distance of at least 30 to 40 feet away from your foundation due to black willow’s shallow roots. Black willow is also known for having weak branches that may easily break, causing damage if they land on your home.
American Holly Tree
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The American holly (Ilex opaca) is a great example of a tree that can be lovely in your landscape as long as you choose the appropriate spot. Monheim notes that you’ll often see an American holly tree planted 2 feet from a house’s foundation, even though it can grow 15 to 20 feet across at its base. “No tree should ever be planted right up against the house. It needs ample room to spread its canopy or its base. Always allow for the spread of the tree,” she says.
American Elm
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Yet another shallow-rooted (though stately) tree, American elm (Ulmus americana) is notorious for causing mayhem with its roots, and for that reason, it’s not recommended for planting near a home. If you have a large property with ample room to accommodate an American elm’s root system, you can make this tree a part of your landscape, but opt for cultivars that are resistant to Dutch elm disease.