Planting these trees raises the likelihood of dropped branches and encroaching root systems.
A strategically placed tree can greatly enhance your home’s exterior attractiveness and offer shade, privacy, as well as define areas within the garden. Nonetheless, certain types of trees feature aggressive root systems or fragile branches that tend to snap easily, often resulting in harm to nearby properties when situated close to houses.
Below, you’ll find the leading five tree varieties to steer clear of when planting close to houses and offices, along with recommendations for alternative species to choose from.
Meet the Experts
-
Alex Kasprzak
is a certified arborist and founder of Elevated Tree Care, offering tree removal and maintenance services. -
Karen Manix
is one of the owners of Walker Farm, a plant and tree nursery located in Vermont. -
Kevin Cleveland
is a certified arborist and serves as the president of Tree Tech Inc.
Willow
Even though these plants are aesthetically pleasing, it might not be wise to grow them.
willow tree
next to your home.
“They possess highly invasive root systems, and their fragile wood grain often leads to branch failure,” explains Alex Kasprzak from Elevated Tree Care.
Their root structures resemble the appearance of their extensive branches, which can indicate trouble for nearby constructions.
Karen Manix, co-owner of the Walker Farm plant and tree nursery, explains, “The root system could undermine your house’s foundation, or these roots might burrow into septic systems looking for additional moisture.”
Alternate option: River Birch or Weeping Beech
Many homeowners opt for willow trees because they tolerate high levels of moisture well; however, several alternative water-loving species are worth considering as well. For example, river birch trees thrive in damp conditions, though their root structures tend to be fairly superficial. Additionally, weeping beeches boast non-invasive root systems similar to those of weeping willows, along with gracefully drooping limbs that add aesthetic appeal.
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Bradford Pear
In the spring, Bradford pear trees blossom, and they are frequently found in residential gardens and lining the streets of neighborhoods. However, experts do not suggest planting them near structures due to their characteristics.
Bradford pear trees have weak branching systems, making their branches prone to breaking,” explains Kasprzak. “Additionally, their root system can be somewhat invasive.
To prevent problems associated with Bradford pears near your residence, it’s best to keep them out of range. However, cultivating these trees is challenging overall since they are regarded as
invasive
Even when cultivated in gardens, Bradford pear trees have the potential to naturalize and become invasive, posing problems for indigenous flora and fauna. The most effective method to curb their dissemination is to refrain from planting them altogether.
Alternate option: Serviceberry or Eastern Redbud
Rather than cultivating invasive Bradford pears, consider opting for native flowering trees such as serviceberry or eastern redbud. These alternatives offer nourishment and habitat for local fauna and boast equally beautiful blossoms during the spring season.
Silver or Norway Maple
Maple trees possess an impressive beauty, and few sights can rival the sight of their foliage changing colors during autumn. Nonetheless, when selecting one, exercise caution as certain varieties could pose risks like invasive root systems or potential branch drop near your house.
Among all the members of the maple genus,
silver maples
Have the most invasive roots,” cautions Kasprzak. “Additionally, they grow rapidly, leading to fragile branch connections and raising the chances of branches falling.
In addition to avoiding silver maples, it’s advisable not to plant Norway maples either. Similar to Bradford pears, these trees spread aggressively in numerous regions and have the potential to overshadow and overpower sugar maples as well as other indigenous tree species.
Alternate Option: Red Maple or Sugar Maple
Red maples and sugar maples share a resemblance with silver and Norway maples, yet they present less risk for property owners. These species are indigenous to North America, where red maples charm observers with their vibrant crimson leaves during fall. Additionally, sugar maples excel as the premier choice for producing maple syrup.
Ash
Ash trees
Boast a majestic appearance with thick foliage that provides habitat for various creatures. However, these trees are diminishing in numerous regions because of invasive emerald ash borers. These tiny, green insects deposit their eggs on the bark of ash trees and can lead to the death of substantial trees within merely a few years.
“The extensive invasion of emerald ash borers makes it unwise to cultivate ash trees,” states Kevin Cleveland, president of Tree Tech Inc. “Should you choose to plant them, they will require prompt and continuous care to endure.”
Alternative: Birch or Oak
Although emerald ash borers cause significant harm, they typically show little interest in tree species beyond the ash family. Trees such as birch and oak are generally spared from these destructive insects due to their resemblance and texture being akin to those of ash trees.
Black Walnut
Apart from willows and Bradford pears, Kasprzak had one final tree he wanted to steer clear of: black walnuts.
Failure of branches is also frequent with these trees, and their roots tend to be more intrusive compared to those of most other species.
deciduous trees
,” says Kasprzak.
Black walnut trees produce a poisonous compound called juglone in their surrounding soil, preventing other vegetation from thriving nearby. This chemical can hinder the cultivation of various decorative plants and may also impede the development of food-producing species such as tomatoes when present in the ground.
Alternate options: Black Cherry or Staghorn Sumac
The pinnate foliage of black cherry trees and staghorn sumac resembles that of black walnut trees. Nevertheless, these indigenous species do not produce juglone in the ground, instead drawing in finches and various wild bird species.
Read the initial article on
The Spruce
