Five Types of Trees That Can Be Safely Planted Near Your Home
If you want to plant a tree in your yard but aren’t sure you have the space because you heard that planting a tree too close to your house is a bad idea, you’re in luck.
While some types of trees should definitely not be planted near your home because their roots can damage the foundation, other varieties are actually safe to plant, even relatively close to the structure. Here are five of the best options, as well as a few to avoid.
Apple
Crabapple trees ( Malus sp.) typically mature at about 20 feet and have a non-invasive root system, meaning they are unlikely to damage your foundation. There are about 1,000 varieties of apple trees, of which about 100 are commonly available for planting in the United States. These trees can grow well in U.S. agricultural zones 3 through 8 and produce white or pink flowers in the spring, with fruit typically measuring less than two inches. in diameter. If you choose a plant native to North America, such as Malus coronaria, Malus fusca or Malus ioensis , the flowers will be beneficial to pollinators and the fruit will be beneficial to native birds, so they can also bring wildlife to your yard.
Dogwood
Twelve species of flowering dogwood ( Cornus sp.) are native to North America and can thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 9. They grow at a moderate rate, approximately 12 to 24 inches per year, and reach a height and width of 15 to 24 inches per year. 20 feet in sun and 40 feet or more in shade. Because of its slow growth, relatively soft roots, and easy pruning, dogwoods are considered safe to plant near your home.
Serviceberry
Serviceberry ( Amelanchier sp.) is native to North America, and there are cultivars that can grow in USDA zones 2 through 9. This tree can grow from six feet to 25 feet tall and four to 25 feet wide. They can be pruned to the size and height of the bush or allowed to grow to full height. Their relatively small size and non-invasive root structure make them suitable for planting near your home, and their flowers, berries and fall foliage color make them a wildlife-friendly and aesthetically pleasing addition to your landscape design.
Crepe Myrtle
You can plant cultivars of crape myrtle ( Lagerstroemia sp.) in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 11, and they can grow to a height of six to 30 feet and a spread of four to 15 feet. These trees, with their colorful flowers, are good for planting near structures because their roots are not invasive and do not grow large enough to cause damage. If you have limited space, you will have to keep pruning the trees as they can grow up to three feet in one season. Also be sure to check the specific variety of wood you choose to take into account the space you need.
American Holly
Although the American holly tree ( Ilex opaca) can grow up to 60 feet tall, it can also be pruned and maintained to 25 feet tall. This variety of holly is native to North America and can be planted in USDA zones 5 through 9. It produces light green to white flowers and distinctive bright red berries, and is an evergreen for winter color. It is known to be safe to plant near structures and provides excellent habitat for local wildlife.
Trees that should not be planted near the house
Trees to avoid planting near your home include white ash ( Fraxinus americana) , cottonwoods (Populus sp.), and weeping willows ( Salix babylonica) . These trees have widespread root systems that can damage foundations, sewer lines, driveways and slabs. Give them a wide area at least 40 to 50 feet away from structures to avoid damage.